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).
Questions about Medicare? Talk with a licensed agent.
Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. ET · TTY: +1 877-486-2048