Drug coverage basics
Medicare drug coverage (Part D) helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a Medicare-approved plan that offers drug coverage. Private insurance companies offer Medicare drug coverage and must follow rules set by Medicare. Each plan can vary in cost and specific drugs covered.
Medicare drug coverage is available to anyone with Medicare. To join a plan, you must live in that plan’s service area and be a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States.
You have 2 options for how you get Medicare drug coverage:
- A separate Medicare drug plan
These plans add drug coverage to Original Medicare , some Medicare Cost Plans , some Private Fee for Service plans, and Medical Savings Account plans. You must have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) to join a separate Medicare drug plan. - As part of your Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or other Medicare health plan
These “bundled“ plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. (If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage, in most cases, you won’t be able to add a separate Medicare drug plan.)
What do you want to do next?
Learn about creditable coverage
Discover what qualifies as creditable coverage.
How you get drug coverage
Learn more about your options for getting drug coverage.
Drug coverage costs
Your total costs for Medicare drug coverage will depend on which plan you choose.
Where can I get help?
- Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for the most up-to-date SHIP phone numbers. SHIPs are state programs that give free local health insurance counseling to people with Medicare and their families.
- Check with your state’s Medicaid agency to get other options you may have for drug coverage.
- Talk to someone at Medicare. Chat with a live person or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.