Medicare Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D helps cover prescription drugs and is available through stand-alone drug plans or many Medicare Advantage plans.
CoverageBrand-name and generic prescription drugs
Plan detailsFormulary, tiers, and pharmacy network vary
EnrollmentLate penalties may apply without creditable coverage
How Part D works
- Each plan has a formulary, or list of covered drugs.
- Drugs are grouped into tiers that may have different cost sharing.
- Plan pharmacy networks and preferred pharmacies can affect costs.
What to compare
- Confirm every prescription, dosage, and pharmacy before enrolling.
- Review premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and coverage rules.
- Check for prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limits.
Enrollment considerations
- You can join a stand-alone plan with Original Medicare.
- Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage.
- Going without Part D or other creditable drug coverage may lead to a late enrollment penalty.
Important: Formularies and costs can change. Review the plan’s current Evidence of Coverage and formulary.
For complete and current information, review Medicare.gov and official plan documents.