Skip to content

Independent and free to use. Not a government website.

owedfinder

Glossary

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage that helps pay for medications.

Medicare Part D is the part of Medicare that covers prescription medications. It's run by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, not by the government directly.

You don't have to join Part D, but if you don't sign up when you first become eligible and you go without coverage later, Medicare charges a penalty for late enrollment.

Example: You turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare. You can choose a Part D plan to help pay for your blood pressure medication, diabetes supplies, or other prescriptions.

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help with Medicare Part D, which is a federal program that helps pay premiums, deductibles and copayments. Some people also qualify for Medicare Savings Programs, which help with other Medicare costs.

Applying for help with prescription drug costs is free, and only Medicare decides if you qualify.

Programs where this matters

Extra HelpSocial Security AdministrationExtra Help may lower what people with Medicare and limited income and resources pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.MSPCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare Savings Programs help people with Medicare who have limited income and resources pay Medicare costs such as premiums.MedicareCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare is federal health insurance for older adults and some younger people with disabilities.