Medicare Part D

What is Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D adds prescription drug coverage and subsidizes the costs of prescription drugs and prescription drug insurance premiums for Medicare beneficiaries. It was enacted in 2003 as part of the Medicare Modernization Act and went into effect on January 1, 2006.

Who is eligible?

Individuals on Medicare are eligible for prescription drug coverage under a Part D plan if they are signed up for benefits under Medicare Part A and/or Part B. Beneficiaries can obtain the Part D drug benefit through two types of plans administered by private insurance companies. Beneficiaries can join a standalone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) for drug coverage only or they can join a public Part C health plan that jointly covers all hospital and medical services covered by Part A and Part B.

What is covered?

Each Medicare drug plan has its own list of covered drugs called a formulary. Many Medicare drug plans place drugs into different “tiers” on their formularies with each tier associated with a different cost. Generally, a drug in a lower tier will cost less than a drug in a higher tier.

How do I sign up?

Visiting will help guide your decision for enrolling into Medicare. There are step-by-step guides on how to apply and more information on deciding between enrolling into Part A, Part B, or Part C. There are only certain times when people can enroll in Medicare. Depending on the situation, some may get Medicare automatically or some may need to apply for Medicare. If you are automatically enrolled, you will get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of disability. If you do not get Medicare automatically, you will need to apply for Medicare online at

If you have any questions please ask a pharmacy staff member!