the medicare drug plan
6 Key Facts

1. Anyone on Medicare can get coverage regardless of income or health.

2. You are not obligated to enroll, but there may be consequences if you don't sign up when you are first eligible to do so.

3. To get Medicare drug coverage, you must select one approved private drug plan among many offering different choices. There is no single government plan.

4. Is your income limited? If you qualify for a part of the program known as "Extra Help." you'll pay very little for your medications.

5. Are your drug costs very high? You'll pay no more than 5 percent of the cost of each prescription after you've spent a certain amount of money out-of-pocket in any one year.

6. Do you have better drug coverage already? You probably won't need Medicare's Part D coverage. But it's wise to check.

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Medicare Part D Guide

Understanding your prescription drug coverage

Medicare Part D helps make prescription drugs more affordable. — Photo by Tetra Images/Corbis

Medicare has an optional program — called Medicare Part D — that provides insurance to help you pay for prescription drugs. If you select to have the coverage, you pay a monthly premium. This guide explains how the program works and helps you make decisions in choosing a plan that's right for you.

Your Questions
Answered

additional
resources

Medicare Part D Glossary

Defining Part D's words, phrases and jargon. read

Where to Go for Help

Sources of information and assistance. read

ask
Ms. Medicare

If you can't find the Part D answer you're looking for in this guide, you can check the Ask Ms. Medicare archives or email your query to msmed@aarp.org. Be sure to include your name, age, state and ZIP code. Your name will not be published.