Frequently asked questions

Medicare Part D is the part of Medicare that helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. It's offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and is available to anyone with Medicare Part A or Part B. Learn more →

It's generally recommended to enroll when first eligible. If you delay and don't have other creditable drug coverage, you'll face a permanent late enrollment penalty. Some plans cost as little as $0/month. Learn about the penalty →

The coverage gap (or "donut hole") was effectively eliminated in 2025. Part D now has three phases: deductible, initial coverage, and catastrophic coverage. Once you reach $2,100 in out-of-pocket costs in 2026, you pay $0 for covered drugs. Read more →

Costs include a monthly premium (varies by plan), a possible annual deductible, and copays or coinsurance at the pharmacy. The out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 for 2026. See the full cost breakdown →

Every Part D plan publishes a formulary — a list of covered drugs. You can check a plan's formulary on its website or use a plan comparison tool. Compare plans on PlanMatch.com →

You can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (around your 65th birthday), the Annual Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7), or a Special Enrollment Period triggered by a qualifying life event. Full enrollment guide →

Yes. You can switch plans during the Annual Open Enrollment period (October 15 – December 7). Special Enrollment Periods also allow changes if you have a qualifying life event. If you receive Extra Help, you can change plans once per month. Learn more →

Extra Help (also called the low-income subsidy) is a program that helps people with limited income pay for Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays. Some people qualify automatically. Check eligibility →

Part D plans must cap your cost for a one-month supply of covered insulin products at $35 or less. You don't need to meet your deductible first. This benefit applies to all Part D enrollees. Learn more →

Key changes include the out-of-pocket cap rising to $2,100, 10 drugs with new Medicare-negotiated prices, automatic M3P re-enrollment, and more plans with deductibles. See all 2026 changes →

If you go without Part D or creditable drug coverage for 63+ days and enroll later, you'll pay a permanent penalty added to your monthly premium. The penalty is 1% of the national base premium for each month you went without coverage. Calculate the penalty →

Standalone Part D plans only cover drugs and work with Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) bundle hospital, medical, and usually drug coverage into one plan, but require you to use a provider network. Compare the options →