What is Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D offers prescription drug coverage to everyone with Medicare. To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a Medicare Part D plan run by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare. Each plan can vary in cost and the covered drugs.

There are two ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage:

• Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. These plans add drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans.
• Medicare Advantage Plans (like an HMO or PPO) or other Medicare health plans that offer Medicare prescription drug coverage. You get all of your Medicare Parts A and B coverage, and prescription drug coverage (Part D), through these plans.