Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D is a type of insurance coverage offered to people who have Medicare (the government health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, or who have certain disabilities). Part D specifically helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.

When you enroll in a Medicare Part D plan, you’ll typically have to pay a monthly premium, as well as a deductible (an amount you have to pay before your insurance starts covering your drugs). After you meet your deductible, you’ll usually have to pay a co-pay or “co-insurance” for each prescription you get. This means you’ll pay a portion of the cost of the drug and your insurance will pay the rest.

It’s important to note that not all drugs are covered by Medicare Part D, so it’s a good idea to check a plan’s list of covered drugs (called a “formulary”) before enrolling. You can enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when you first become eligible for Medicare, or during the Annual Enrollment Period.

Overall, Medicare Part D helps make prescription drugs more affordable for people with Medicare, but it’s not the only option. Some people with Medicare choose to get drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan, which is another type of Medicare health plan.

Lastly, please understand that if you choose to not enroll in a plan with qualifying prescription drug coverage, you will pay a penalty if/when you do enroll in such a plan. So even if you don’t think you need prescription coverage, it’s a good idea to enroll in a plan.