MEDICARE SERVICES

Choose Medicare drug coverage around your prescriptions.

Medicare Part D helps pay for covered brand-name and generic prescription drugs. Coverage can be included in a Medicare Advantage plan or purchased as a separate Medicare drug plan when compatible with your coverage.

Review drug coverage

Adult turning 65 reviewing Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage with a pharmacist — Check your prescriptions, pharmacies, formularies, and estimated annual costs.

What matters when comparing Part D

Formulary

Confirm every medication, dosage, and form on the plan drug list. Formularies and coverage rules can change.

Pharmacy network

Preferred and standard network pharmacies may have different costs. Mail-order options also vary by plan.

Restrictions

Look for prior authorization, quantity limits, or step therapy that may apply to your prescriptions.

Total annual cost

Compare premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and estimated annual drug costs—not premium alone.

Enrollment timing matters: Going 63 days or more without Part D or other creditable drug coverage after becoming eligible may result in a late enrollment penalty, unless an exception applies.

Standalone or included?

Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D. People using Original Medicare may join a separate Medicare drug plan. In most Medicare Advantage plan types, you cannot add a separate Part D plan.

Check your medications

Drug coverage, pharmacy networks, formularies, utilization rules, and costs vary by plan and plan year. Always review current plan documents before enrolling.

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TURNING 65 AND CHOOSING PART D

A prescription drug checklist before your Medicare start date

People turning 65 should review prescription drug coverage even if they take few or no medications. Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period is generally the seven-month period surrounding your 65th birthday, and delaying Part D without other creditable drug coverage can lead to a lasting late enrollment penalty.

Build an accurate medication list

Include the exact drug name, dosage, quantity, frequency, and whether you prefer a brand-name or generic version.

Check formularies and restrictions

Confirm the plan covers each prescription and note its tier, prior authorization, step therapy, and quantity-limit requirements.

Compare pharmacies and yearly costs

Preferred retail and mail-order pharmacies may price prescriptions differently. Compare estimated annual costs, not only premiums.

Part D decisions for common turning-65 situations

Choosing Original Medicare

You can add a standalone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and may also consider Medigap.

Choosing Medicare Advantage

Most Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage. In most plan types, you cannot add a separate Part D plan.

Keeping employer coverage

Ask the employer or benefits administrator whether the prescription coverage is creditable and keep the annual notice.

Receiving Extra Help

People with limited income and resources may qualify for Extra Help with Medicare drug costs.

Turning 65 Medicare Part D FAQs

Do I need Part D if I take no prescriptions?

Part D is optional, but enrolling when first eligible—or maintaining other creditable drug coverage—can help avoid a future late enrollment penalty.

What counts as creditable prescription coverage?

Coverage is creditable when it is expected to pay, on average, at least as much as standard Medicare drug coverage. Your current plan must tell you whether its coverage is creditable.

Can formularies change?

Yes. Review the plan drug list and Annual Notice of Change each year, and confirm current coverage before enrolling.

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