Prescription Coverage
Anyone who has Medicare is offered Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). If they choose not to enroll in a drug plan when they are first eligible, then they will likely incur a late enrollment penalty (usually for as long as they have prescription drug coverage) if they decide to join later. There are exceptions to this rule however, such as:
- Having creditable drug coverage
- Receiving Extra Help
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.
Two ways to get prescription drug coverage
- These plans (sometimes called “PDPs”) add drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans.
- Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) or other Medicare health plan that offers Medicare prescription drug coverage. You get all of your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage, and prescription drug coverage (Part D), through these plans. Medicare Advantage Plans with prescription drug coverage are sometimes called “MA-PDs.” You must have Part A and Part B to join a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Learn more about Prescription Drug Coverage at medicare.gov
