Medicare Part D
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. It’s offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
Two ways to get drug coverage
- A stand-alone Part D plan, which you add to Original Medicare (with or without a Medicare Supplement policy).
- A Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.
Costs and coverage
Costs and covered drugs vary by plan. A licensed insurance agent can go over plan details with you.
Check the formulary every year
Each plan has a list of covered drugs, called a formulary. Formularies, pharmacies and costs can change from year to year. Review your plan each fall during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7).
The Part D late enrollment penalty
If you go 63 days or more in a row without Part D or other creditable drug coverage after you’re first eligible, you may pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part D.
Help with costs: If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help, a Medicare program that helps with Part D costs. Learn more at Medicare.gov or through Social Security.
Reviewed October 2026. Medicare rules and costs change every year. For the latest official information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
How we’re paid
Our service is free to you. We may be paid by the insurance agencies and companies we work with. You never pay us a fee, and you’re never obligated to enroll.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 17 organizations which offer 96,646 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Questions about Medicare? Talk with a licensed agent.
Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. ET · TTY: +1 877-486-2048