The new Medicare Plan D Prescription Drug Coverage Program has created a lot of confusion. But there are five basic questions where you need to know the answers. Here are those questions and answers.

Who can join this Medicare prescription Drug plan?

Medicare says that everyone over 65 who has the Original Medicare Plan, a Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plan that doesn't offer prescription drug coverage, or a Medicate Cost Plan, can join a Medicare Plan D in their area.

How much will my Plan D Prescription Drug Coverage cost?

Here's where it gets complicated. While there are many plans that have been certified by Medicare, not all plans are available in all states. This means you must pick a plan that's available in your state. Each of these plans determines how much to charge. However all drug plans must offer coverage at least as good as the Medicare minimum standard coverage. This minimum standard coverage requires you to pay a monthly premium, and the first $250 per year for your prescriptions. This $250 is called your deductible.

For example, here in Colorado, there are 20 different plans available. The monthly premium for these plans ranges from a low of $0 to a high of $65.88.

What do these drug plans cover?

Each plan provider also determines which drugs will be covered. The list of drugs covered by a plan is called a