Q. I like the plan you have proposed but I am concerned about the $200 prescription drug deductible. The plan I had before only had a $50 deductible. I have called that carrier and they told me I can keep the drug plan for only $17 per month. How much will it lower the premium on the new plan to eliminate drug coverage? If it cannot be eliminated I think I will keep the old drug plan and use it until I have $200 in drug charges for the year.

A. The Rx cannot be carved out of the new plan. I have seen the benefit under your old plan and the new Rx benefit, even with a higher deductible, is much better.

There is no rule against having two Rx plans, but why would you want to? If you keep the old Rx plan you will pay $204 per year ($17 x 12) PLUS pay the first $50 in drug charges before you get into the copay. If you forget about the old Rx plan and just put the $17 per month into a savings account you will have accumulated your deductible under the new plan.