Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage) helps cover cost of prescription drugs, may lower your costs and protect against higher costs.
Medicare prescription drug coverage is an optional benefit offered to everyone who has Medicare. This page explains how to get prescription drug coverage and offers tips for making the right choices for you.
If you decide not to get Medicare drug coverage when you’re first eligible, you’ll likely pay a late enrollment penalty if you join later, unless one of these applies:
- You have other creditable prescription drug coverage
- You get Extra Help
Generally, you’ll pay this penalty for as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage.
To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a Medicare plan that offers prescription drug coverage. Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered.
Evaluate All Your Drug Coverage Options
Before making a decision, it’s important to understand how prescription drug coverage integrates with any existing coverage you may have. For example, you might already have coverage through an employer or union, TRICARE, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Indian Health Service, or a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy. Compare your current drug coverage with Medicare drug plans, as your existing coverage may change due to Medicare drug coverage.
If you have (or qualify for) other drug coverage, be sure to carefully review all materials from your insurer or plan provider. It's a good idea to consult with your benefits administrator, insurer, or plan provider before making any changes to your current coverage
Joining a Medicare Drug Plan May Impact Your Medicare Advantage Plan
If both of the following apply, your Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) will disenroll you, and you’ll be switched back to Original Medicare:
-
Your Medicare Advantage Plan includes prescription drug coverage.
-
You enroll in a separate Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).