Part D and drug coverage basics

What Part D is

Medicare Part D helps cover prescription drugs. You can get it as a standalone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) with Original Medicare, or as part of many Medicare Advantage plans (MA-PD).

When to enroll

• During your Initial Enrollment Period when you first get Medicare.
• During Annual Enrollment (October 15 – December 7) for coverage the following year.
• During a Special Enrollment Period if you lose other creditable drug coverage.

If you go without creditable drug coverage for 63 days or more after you are eligible, a Part D late-enrollment penalty may apply for as long as you have Part D.

What to compare

• Premium, deductible, and cost-sharing for your specific drugs.
• Whether your pharmacy is in network.
• Prior authorization or quantity limits on your medications.

Use the Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov or ask a licensed agent to walk through your list.