But there is a window for application. It is truly the very best deal of all.

I lost my chance at it and have rued the day ever since.

my daughters MIL is doing that for her inhalers.

The window for 2018 is coming up: October 15 to December 7, 2018.

You can still sign up for Plan F before they shut down enrollment in 2020.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2017/06/06/how-the-2020-exit-of-medigap-plan-f-might-affect-your-healthcare-spending/#64cd938b699a

Not so for Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, which have only one open enrollment period a year.

"Buy a policy when you're first eligible. The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your 6-month Medigap open enrollment period. During that time you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, even if you have health problems. This period automatically starts the month you're 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). After this enrollment period, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy. If you're able to buy one, it may cost more."

AFTER THIS ENROLLMENT PERIOD YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BUY A MEDIGAP POLICY.

https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/when-can-i-buy-medigap

I currently have Blue Cross Medicare Advantage, but I am meeting next week with an 'insurance broker'
and may switch to an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan,
which I have been told has cheaper co-pays.

of calling the insurance broker that I saw when I signed up with Medicare . She was helpful.

A broker will present you with various plans and you decide.

That's crazy! So much money!

However, once you reach that "donut hole" number, $5,700 approx. this year, you must pay lots more til you reach "catastrophic coverage" point when your copay will increase, but stabilize. Hubby's medication went from $90 copay to $260! If only the Congress had written in the ability to negotiate drug prices into Part D legislation! But NO. Also drugs are out into categories or Tiers, with Tier 3 and 4 drugs much more costly. So the sicker you are, you aren't covered as well.

Those, like me who get 'extra help' paying for medications from the state are not affected by the "donut hole".

You are close to falling in the infamous "donut hole." ((>$3,750 to >$5,000). I just read that no only is Dunkin Donuts getting rid of the donut but so is Medicare part D starting in 2019. Let's hope this is not a piece of shit since it was part of tRump's budget.

Those, like me who get 'extra help' paying for medications from the state are not affected by the "donut hole".

I know co-pay helps to save on medication. But if you are opting international pharmacies then you can save up to 80%.
I am doing this for last 7 years without any hassle.

If I talk about my last prescription fill, It was $2732 in my local store and when bought it from Offshorecheapmeds, it was $173 including shipping charges.

So I suggest filling prescriptions from international pharmacies.