Prescription Drug Plans

Prescription
Drug Plans

Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), also known as Part D are offered by private insurance companies to provide prescription drug coverage.

There are many different plans within a service area, so it is important to compare for your needs.

What Do Prescription Drug Plans Cover?

Plans will vary by service area, premiums, and formularies. A formulary is a list of specific drugs the plan will cover.

In addition, the plan will also give you equivalents of a prescription drug if the medication is not in formulary.

It is important to note that vaccines can be covered under a PDP but depending on the plan, not all vaccines may be covered.

How do I Enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan?

To purchase a PDP, you should sign up when you first become eligible. You must be entitled to Part A and/or Part B to obtain a PDP.

If you decide not to get prescription drug coverage through a PDP or Medicare Advantage Plan when you first become eligible, and you do not have other creditable prescription drug coverage (like from an employer or union) or get Extra Help, you’ll likely pay a Late Enrollment Penalty if you join a plan later.

Generally, you’ll pay this penalty for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage.

Lastly, if you are in a Health Maintenance Organization, HMO Point-of-Service plan, or Preferred Provider Organization, and you join a stand-alone drug plan, you will be disenrolled from your Medicare Advantage Plan and returned to Original Medicare.