Medicare Part D, often referred to as the Prescription Drug Benefit, is a program that is designed to help those eligible for Medicare—typically individuals over 65, some younger people with disabilities, and those suffering from end-stage renal disease—manage the costs of their medications. This optional benefit is administered by private insurance companies approved by the federal government.

Medicare Part D offers an optional prescription drug benefit to Medicare beneficiaries, facilitating outpatient prescription drug coverage. This plan is available either as part of a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) that includes prescription drugs or as a standalone plan (PDP) complementing traditional Medicare coverage. As of 2020, out of the over 60 million people covered by Medicare, approximately 46 million have opted into Part D plans.

Medicare Part D is part of the broader Medicare program, a federal health insurance scheme that includes prescription drug coverage through both Medicare Advantage and standalone Part D plans. While Medicare covers various healthcare services, Part D aims explicitly to reduce the costs of prescriptions for eligible Americans, primarily those aged 65 and older.

Enrolling in Medicare Part D is voluntary and coincides with existing Medicare coverage. Participants are required to pay standard insurance costs such as monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and copayments. The decision to enroll should consider personal health needs and financial capabilities, as it provides more extensive drug coverage than standard Medicare.

It might be time to switch insurers whenever the service that your existing insurer provides doesn’t meet your needs. For example, if you have a poor claims experience or an unexplained rate increase, it might be time to consider other options

If you cancel a previous policy before a new policy is effective, you could run into some serious financial problems.

Contact us today to help you with multiple options to choose from.