The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D)

The Medicare prescription drug benefit (Part D) covers most outpatient prescription drugs (the kind you get at the pharmacy or through mail-order). Unlike Medicare health benefits, though, Part D is only offered through private plans—there is no Original Medicare equivalent—and whether you should sign up for Medicare drug coverage depends on your particular needs.

The following materials can help you learn about the Part D: Downloadable Handouts (in PDF format unless otherwise noted; Spanish translations where available) and Essential Answers from Medicare Interactive (MI) Counselor, an independent, public resource of the Medicare Rights Center. MI offers expert information and advice on Medicare.

Note: If you are not eligible for Medicare drug coverage or you want to find other ways to pay for your prescription drugs (Rx), MRC has put together a resource list of discount drug programs.
• Programs that could help pay for your prescription costs

Part D Basics (Show Materials)

Enrolling in a Medicare Private Drug Plan (Hide Materials)

Downloadable Handouts

MI Counselor Essential Answers

Thinking about changing how you get your Medicare benefits?      Download Should I enroll in Medicare's prescription drug benefit?      Download Special Enrollment Periods Chart      Download How to Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans      Download Marketing Fraud: How To Avoid Getting Taken For A Ride      Download en Español Worried about Medicare changes?      Download Should I enroll in Medicare's prescription drug benefit?      Download How to Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans      Download

Should I enroll in the Medicare drug benefit (Part D)?      Go To How do I compare Medicare private drug plans?      Go To Can I change my Medicare private drug plan (Part D) at any time?      Go To What if I enrolled in a Medicare private health plan or drug plan by mistake or because I was misled?      Go To

Getting Your Drugs Covered (Show Materials)

Help Paying for Your Drug Coverage (Show Materials)

Other Coverage and Medicare Drug Coverage (Show Materials)

New York Specific Information (Show Materials)

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