203 E. Jefferson Street Valparaiso, IN 46383

 TEL: 1(800) 535-8099

Insurance Read Time: 2 min

Prescription Drug Benefits Under Medicare (Part D)

Medicare’s prescription drug benefit (Part D) is the part of Medicare that provides outpatient drug coverage. Part D is provided only through private insurance companies that have contracts with the federal government—it is never provided directly by the government (unlike Original Medicare).

If you want to get Part D coverage, you have to choose and enroll in a private Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP) or a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage (MAPD). Enrollment is optional (though recommended to avoid incurring future penalties) and only allowed during approved enrollment periods. Typically, you should sign up for Part D when you first become eligible to enroll in Medicare.

Whether you should sign up for a Medicare Part D plan depends on your circumstances. You may have creditable drug coverage from employer or retiree insurance. If so, you don’t need to enroll in a PDP until you lose this coverage. Also, some people already enrolled in certain low-income assistance programs may be automatically enrolled in a Medicare drug plan and receive additional financial assistance paying for their medicines.

© Medicare Rights Center. Used with permission.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs)

Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs)

Explaining Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) and their benefit to estate strategy.

Exploring the Federal Student Grant Program

Exploring the Federal Student Grant Program

In this article, explore the benefits of the Federal Student Grant Program.

Do You Owe The AMT?

Do You Owe The AMT?

If you want to avoid potential surprises at tax time, it may make sense to know where you stand when it comes to the AMT.