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.
Part D Basics (Show Materials)
Enrolling in a Medicare Private Drug Plan (Show Materials)
Getting Your Drugs Covered (Show Materials)
Help Paying for Your Drug Coverage (Show Materials)
Other Coverage and Medicare Drug Coverage (Hide Materials)
Downloadable Handouts
MI Counselor Essential Answers
- How will my Medicaid and Medicare drug coverage (Part D) work together? Download
en Español
- How will my Medicaid and Medicare drug coverage (Part D) work together? Download
Note: If you enroll in the Medicare drug benefit (Part D), you cannot also have a Medicare supplemental insurance policy (Medigap) that offers drug coverage. As of January 1, 2006, Medigap plans are no longer sold with drug coverage. If you have a Medigap H, I and J with drug coverage that you purchased before 2006, you can keep it, but it is important to know that your coverage is not considered to be at least as good as Medicare drug coverage ("creditable"). If you decide to drop or switch Medigaps and sign up for the Medicare drug benefit after you are first eligible, you may have to pay a premium penalty.