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Prescription Coverage

Medicare Part D Drug Plans

Part D helps pay for the prescription medications you rely on. Plans differ in which drugs they cover and how much they cost, so a careful comparison based on your own prescriptions can make a meaningful difference.

Compare Drug Plans Call (445) 300-7597
  • Plans compared using your actual medications
  • Pharmacy network checks
  • Free help from licensed agents
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Find Part D plans near you

Plans and costs vary by location. Your information stays private.
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Overview

What Is Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Original Medicare generally does not cover the medications you pick up at a pharmacy, so Part D fills that need.

You can get Part D in two ways: as a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) that works with Original Medicare and Medigap, or built into a Medicare Advantage plan (often called an MAPD).

Medicare sets rules for these plans each year, including an annual cap on out-of-pocket drug costs for covered medications.

  • Stand-alone plans pair with Original Medicare
  • Many Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage
  • Every plan has its own list of covered drugs
  • Costs and coverage can change each year

Key Terms

How Part D Plans Work

A few terms will help you understand and compare drug plans.

Formulary

The plan’s list of covered drugs. Always confirm your medications are on it.

Drug tiers

Drugs are grouped into tiers. Lower tiers, often generics, usually cost less.

Deductible

The amount you may pay before the plan begins paying its share. Some plans have none.

Copay and coinsurance

Your share of each prescription, as a flat amount or a percentage.

Pharmacy network

Preferred pharmacies may offer lower prices. Mail-order options may also be available.

Out-of-pocket cap

Medicare sets an annual limit on what you pay for covered drugs, updated each year.

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Avoid Surprises

Understanding the Part D Late Enrollment Penalty

If you go 63 days or more in a row without Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period ends, you may owe a late enrollment penalty.

The penalty is added to your monthly premium and generally lasts as long as you have Part D coverage. Creditable coverage — such as some employer or union plans — can protect you, so keep any notices your plan sends about it.

If you are unsure whether your current coverage counts, we can help you review it.

Review Enrollment Periods

Choosing a Plan

How We Help You Compare Part D Plans

  1. List your medications

    Share the names, doses, and how often you take each prescription.

  2. Choose your pharmacies

    Tell us where you prefer to fill prescriptions, including mail order.

  3. Compare estimated yearly costs

    We look beyond the premium to estimate your total costs across plans.

  4. Enroll and review each year

    Plans can change annually, so we recommend a review every fall.

Start a Comparison
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Financial Assistance

Help Paying for Prescriptions

People with limited income and resources may qualify for Extra Help, a Medicare program that can lower Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays. You can apply through the Social Security Administration.

Medicare also offers a payment option that lets you spread out-of-pocket drug costs into monthly payments across the year rather than paying all at once at the pharmacy.

Some states have their own pharmaceutical assistance programs as well. Ask us what may be available to you.

Questions

Medicare Questions, Answered

Still have questions?

Talk with a licensed insurance professional.

(445) 300-7597 Mon–Fri 8am–8pm ET

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as some younger people with certain disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS. It is made up of several parts that cover hospital care, medical services, and prescription drugs. Many people also add private coverage to help with costs Medicare does not fully pay.

Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare. These plans cover everything Parts A and B cover (except hospice, which Original Medicare still covers), and many include prescription drug coverage and extra benefits such as dental or vision. Plans usually use provider networks, and costs and benefits vary by plan and location.

A Medicare Supplement plan, also known as Medigap, is a private insurance policy that works alongside Original Medicare. It helps pay some of the costs Original Medicare does not, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage, so many people pair them with a Part D plan.

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. You can get it as a stand-alone plan that works with Original Medicare, or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs, so it is important to check that your medications are included.

Most people first enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period, a 7-month window that includes the 3 months before, the month of, and the 3 months after the month they turn 65. After that, you can make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, or during a Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event. Enrolling late in some parts may result in penalties.

Yes, during certain times of the year. The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) lets you join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) lets Advantage members make one change. You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after events like moving or losing other coverage.

Compare Drug Plans

Make Sure Your Medications Are Covered

A licensed agent can compare Part D plans using your actual prescriptions and preferred pharmacies. It is free and there is no obligation.

Compare Part D Plans Call (445) 300-7597

Free Drug Plan Review

Request a Part D Plan Comparison

Send us your details and a licensed agent will follow up to review your prescriptions.

  • Comparison based on your medications
  • Preferred pharmacy checks
  • No cost, no obligation

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