Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage That Saves You Money
Medicare Part D covers both brand-name and generic drugs, helping lower your out-of-pocket expenses at the pharmacy.
Medicare Part D helps cover prescription drug costs, ensuring that you have access to the medications you need at a price you can afford. Whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage, a standalone Part D plan can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
What Does Medicare Part D Cover?
Each Medicare Part D plan covers a wide range of prescription drugs, including:
- Brand-name and generic medications
- Drugs for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure
- Vaccinations and preventive medications

Anyone with Original Medicare (Part A & B)
Those who want to avoid late enrollment penalties
Medicare Advantage (Part C) members without drug coverage
You may qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan if you:
Who Needs Part D?
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Do I need a Medicare Part D plan?
If you take prescription medications regularly, a Part D plan can help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Even if you don’t take medications now, enrolling early can help you avoid late enrollment penalties later.
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What does Medicare Part D cover?
Each plan has a formulary (list of covered drugs), which includes:
Brand-name and generic medications
Drugs for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure
Certain vaccines and preventive medications
Formularies vary by plan, so it’s important to check if your medications are covered before enrolling.
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When can I enroll in a Medicare Part D plan?
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): When you first become eligible for Medicare (three months before and after turning 65).
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year, when you can enroll, switch, or drop a Part D plan.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31, but only if you're switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you qualify due to life events, such as losing employer drug coverage or moving out of your plan’s service area.
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What does Medicare Part D cover?
Each Part D plan has a formulary, or list of covered drugs, which typically includes:
- Brand-name and generic prescription medications
- Drugs for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure
- Vaccinations and preventive medications
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What is the Medicare Part D coverage gap (donut hole)?
The coverage gap (donut hole) is a temporary limit on what the drug plan will cover. In 2024, once total drug costs reach $5,030, you enter the gap, paying 25% of the cost of brand-name and generic drugs. After out-of-pocket costs reach $8,000, catastrophic coverage begins, reducing your costs significantly.
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What happens if I don’t enroll in Medicare Part D when I’m first eligible?
If you don’t sign up when first eligible and don’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage, you may face a late enrollment penalty, which is added to your monthly premium for as long as you have Part D.