You may need to get help paying for prescriptions even after getting Medicare drug coverage (Part D) . Here are 4 tips to consider if you need help with drug costs.
Medicare and Social Security have a program called Extra Help—a way for people with limited income and resources to get help with Medicare Part D costs. If you qualify for Extra Help, you could pay no more than:
- $4.50 for each generic covered drug in 2024 ($4.90 in 2025)
- $11.20 for each brand-name covered drug in 2024 ($12.15 in 2025)
2. Consider switching to generics or other lower-cost drugs.
There may be generic or less-expensive brand-name drugs that would work just as well as the ones you're taking now. Talk to your doctor to find out if these are an option for you. You might also be able to lower prescription costs by using mail-order pharmacies.
3. Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs.
Some pharmaceutical companies offer programs to help pay for medications for people enrolled in Medicare drug coverage (Part D). Find out whether there’s a Pharmaceutical Assistance Program that can lower prescription costs for the drugs you take. Each company has different eligibility requirements to participate in their program. Contact the company to find out if you’re eligible and start getting help.
4. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs.
Many states and the U.S. Virgin Islands offer help paying for prescriptions, drug plan premiums and/or other drug costs. Find out if your state has a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program.
5. Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.
Starting in 2025, this new payment option works with your current drug coverage to help you manage your out-of-pocket drug costs, by spreading them across the calendar year (January–December). This payment option might help you manage your expenses, but it doesn’t save you money or lower your drug costs.
If you select this payment option, each month you’ll continue to pay your plan premium (if you have one), and you’ll get a bill from your health or drug plan to pay for your prescription drugs (instead of paying the pharmacy). All plans offer this payment option, and participation is voluntary. It doesn’t cost anything to participate in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. Contact your plan for more information and to find out if this payment option is right for you.