4. If you don’t receive any help, you’ll be asked if you want to see your drug costs when you compare plans. Click "Yes" so you can get a sense of how much you would spend with each plan.

5. Enter the names of your medications. Be sure to include ones you take regularly so that you’ll get a good estimate of ongoing costs. You’ll also need to select the dosage and quantity and indicate how frequently you need to refill your prescriptions. To add another medication, click "Add Another Drug." When you’re finished, click "Done Adding Drugs."
 

6. Choose up to five pharmacies where you want to fill your prescriptions. Many plans charge lower copayments for preferred pharmacies. You can see how plans work with the pharmacies and what your copayments would be for each one. Enter the names of the pharmacies you use or search by your address or zip code.

Every plan with drug coverage offers mail-order prescriptions. They can be less expensive, so some people select this option as one of their pharmacy choices. When you’re finished selecting pharmacies, click "Done."
 

7. You’ll receive a list of drug plans in your area. You can sort the plans in three ways: "Lowest drug + premium cost," the default; "Lowest yearly drug deductible;" and "Lowest monthly premium." The best way to compare plans is to look at each plan’s lowest drug and premium costs.
 

Keep in mind: A plan with a low premium could be more expensive by the end of the year if it charges high copayments for your medications. Click the "Plan Details" button for more information, including a monthly estimate of what you’ll pay for your medications.
 

If you're interested in a plan, before signing up, be sure to check whether your prescriptions are part of a plan’s formulary — the list of regularly covered drugs. Some expensive medicines require prior authorization from the plan before you can purchase them.
 

8. To sign up for a Part D plan, click "Enroll." You’ll need your Medicare number and the date that your Parts A and B coverage started. You may be able to enroll with an insurance agent or by calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).
 

To sign up directly with the insurance company, click "Plan Details" and look for the plan’s phone number and website. You can also request an application and mail it. An insurance agent may be able to help you enroll.
 

For help signing up for a Part D plan, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

After you’ve signed up, you’ll pay monthly Part D premiums to the insurance company. You may either receive bills or sign up for automatic payments. You also may be able to request that your premium be deducted from your monthly Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board payment.
 

To find out if you qualify for financial assistance for Part D, see How to Get Help Paying for Medicare.

If your adjusted gross income is more than $97,000 if you’re single, or $194,000 if you’re married and filing jointly, you may have to pay a high-income surcharge, which adds $12.20 to $76.40 to your monthly premiums in 2023

The high-income surcharge is paid to Medicare. These premiums can be deducted automatically from your Social Security benefits or Medicare can send you a bill. Another option is to sign up for Easy Pay and have the premiums automatically paid from your checking or savings account.
 

Mark your calendar for Medicare’s annual open enrollment period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. This is the time you can switch Part D plans.
 

Even if you’re satisfied with your coverage, it’s a good idea to go to Medicare.gov to compare the plans available in your area. Plans can change their coverage, costs and provider networks every year.
 

Updated February 14, 2023