Skip to navigation Skip to content

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

Share

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (also known as “Medicare Part D”) are private insurance plans that are approved by the federal government and offer Medicare beneficiaries insurance coverage for prescription drug costs. There are many plans to choose from, and it’s important to find the plan that best meets your needs. All plans share the cost of drugs with beneficiaries, and financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Navigating through the many choices can be a challenge but there are many sources of help.

Who needs a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan?

Anyone who is eligible for Medicare is eligible for a Medicare prescription drug plan, but not everyone needs one. If you have drug coverage now that is ‘just as good as' a Medicare prescription drug plan, your current plan is considered ‘creditable coverage' and you probably don't need to enroll in a Medicare drug plan. You can enroll in one later if your current drug coverage ends. Your current insurer is required to tell you if your current coverage qualifies as ‘creditable coverage', and you can always contact them and ask if you are unsure. It’s a good idea to ask for a copy of your “certificate of creditable coverage” to keep in your records as evidence that you had coverage for your prescription medications.

If you do not have prescription coverage that is considered “creditable” you should enroll in a Part D plan. It is important to enroll on time to avoid the lifetime penalty. The lifetime penalty is a 1% addition to your Part D premium for every month you failed to enroll after you become eligible if you have no other creditable coverage. Medicare beneficiaries under age 65 who incur this penalty get one chance to have it forgiven when they turn 65 and take advantage of a second Initial Enrollment Period.

Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period

The Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period is from October 15th – December 7th.  If you need help reviewing plans for the next year call an MS Navigator and ask for a plan search. 1-800-344-4867

Medicare Rights Center

Medicare Rights Center (MRC) is the largest independent source of health care information and assistance in the United States for people with Medicare, and a collaborative partner of the National MS Society.

Visit MedicareRights.org

Visit MedicareRights.org

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Medicare is a government entitlement program administered by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Visit Medicare’s official website.

Visit Medicare.gov

Visit Medicare.gov

Part D Open Enrollment Guide

Learn more about the Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Guide by Map RX in collaboration with the National MS Society.

Learn More

Learn More

Share


The National MS Society is Here to Help

Newly Diagnosed
If you or somone close to you has recently been diagnosed, access our MS information and resources.

Start Here

Start Here
© 2024 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its Identification Number (EIN) is 13-5661935.