CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Corp. is co-branding a value-focused Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) with EnvisionRx Plus.

The Rite Aid EnvisionRx Plus plan offers beneficiaries no deductible and zero co-pays on more than 500 generic medications — even during the coverage gap, or so-called donut hole.

Rite Aid EnvisionRx Plus was designed to compete with the approximately 15 enhanced PDPs in each of the 31 states where Rite Aid operates, plus the District of Columbia. As an enhanced coverage plan from Envision Insurance Co., the PDP is designed to offer beneficiaries the peace of mind of a consistent price structure.

Anyone who is new to Medicare Part D benefits — or those already enrolled in a plan — can select a PDP through December 7. Known simply as “Open Enrollment,” this period ends about a month earlier than it has in past years in order that Medicare officials can process plan choices before the new year, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which urges beneficiaries to review plans every year for changes in coverage and ­benefits.

As the most common form of the federal program designed to help people over 65 and those with disabilities afford prescription coverage, Medicare Part D PDPs enroll 18.6 million beneficiaries, according to a September report by the Kaiser Family ­Foundation.

Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in Rite Aid EnvisionRx Plus or check if their regular medications are among the thousands covered by the plan by calling (877) 309-4875, going online to www.envisionrxplus.com/riteaid or consulting with their Rite Aid pharmacist.
Rite Aid pharmacists also have access to the Medicare Advisor tool, which generates a printable report estimating the three lowest-cost plans based on the beneficiary’s prescriptions at Rite Aid.

There are about 15 enhanced and 15 basic PDPs available in each state, but coverage, rates and selection vary. Medicare beneficiaries and their care­givers can also compare plans online at www.riteaid.com/medicareadvisor.