Medicare Part D Helps You Save on Prescriptions
Medicare Part D is drug coverage that can help lower the costs of your current and future Medicare-covered medications. You can only enroll in a Part D plan offered by private insurance companies such as Blue Cross.
Plans with Part D
You can get Medicare Part D in two ways:
- A standalone Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) to go along with your Medicare Supplement plan, Original Medicare, or Medicare Advantage (MA) plan that does not include Part D.
- Or, a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan that includes Part D. Not all MA plans include Part D coverage.
An Option for Everyone with Medicare
Medicare Part D is available for anyone in these situations:
- If you have Medicare Part A or Part B, regardless of health or income status.
- If you are turning 65. In most cases, you must first enroll around your 65th birthday. If you don’t sign up for drug coverage when you first become eligible, you may have to pay a late penalty that adds to your monthly premiums as long as you have Part D.
- If you qualify for Extra Help. Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for Extra Help can receive additional coverage that lowers their Part D expenses.
Part D is One of the Four Parts of Medicare
| Medicare Part | What it Covers | Description of Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Part A |
Hospital Coverage 
|
|
| Part B |
Medical Coverage 
|
|
| Part C (Medicare Advantage) |
Combines Part A and Part B, and may include Part D
|
A different way of getting Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage plans (MA) combine Part A and Part B together in one plan. MA plans can also be combined with a Part D prescription drug benefit for complete Medicare coverage, called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans. Generally, these Medicare Advantage plans are offered as:
|
| Part D |
Prescription Drug Coverage (PDP)
|
Available as stand-alone coverage, and also as a prescription drug benefit added to a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MA-PD). |
Hospital Coverage
- Inpatient hospital care
- Inpatient stays at most skilled facilities
- Home health and Hospice care
Medical Coverage
- Doctor and clinical lab services
- Outpatient and certain preventive care
- Screenings, surgical fees and supplies
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Limited outpatient prescription drugs
Combines Part A and Part B, and may include Part D
A different way of getting Medicare Part A and Part B coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans (MA) combine Part A and Part B together in one plan.
MA plans can also be combined with a Part D prescription drug benefit for complete
Medicare coverage, called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans.
Generally, these Medicare Advantage plans are offered as:
- Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
- Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)
- Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)
Prescription Drug Coverage (PDP)
Available as stand-alone coverage, and also as a prescription drug benefit added to a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MA-PD).