Can you have Medicare Part D only?

Yes, you can have Medicare Part D only as a standalone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) if you have Original Medicare (Part A/B) or a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, adding drug coverage that Original Medicare doesn't provide, but you must enroll in a private plan since Part D isn't in Original Medicare. You cannot have a standalone PDP and a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage (MA-PD) simultaneously, so it's an either/or choice for your overall coverage.

Can I get Medicare Part D without having Part B?

Yes, you can get Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) without Part B, as you only need either Medicare Part A or Part B to be eligible for a standalone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage. This is a common choice for people who have Part A (often through group coverage or paying premiums) but delay Part B to avoid its premium, as long as they have other creditable drug coverage to avoid late enrollment penalties. 

Can Medicare Part D be stand alone?

Beneficiaries can choose to enroll in either a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) to supplement traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage drug plan (MA-PD) that includes drug coverage and all other Medicare-covered benefits.

What are the disadvantages of Medicare Part D?

One of the chief complaints about the program is the overwhelming complexity involved with choosing a prescription drug plan. Nearly 1,900 prescription drug plans exist overall, and depending on an enrollee's geographic region, beneficiaries must evaluate 45 to 66 plans.

Is Medicare Part D deducted from my social security check?

Yes, you can have your Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) premium deducted from your Social Security check, just like Part B, but you usually need to arrange it with your specific drug plan provider, though it often starts automatically if you have Part B premiums deducted. If your income is higher, an extra amount (IRMAA) will be deducted automatically, but for your base premium, you contact your insurer to set up direct withdrawal from your benefits. 

Do You Really Need Medicare Part D?

Why am I paying for Medicare Part D?

You're paying for Medicare Part D because it's optional prescription drug coverage, provided by private companies, that helps cover outpatient medications not included in Original Medicare (Parts A & B), with costs like premiums and deductibles varying by plan, though you might pay more if you delayed enrollment without other creditable coverage. 

How much do I have to pay for Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D costs vary by plan but include a monthly premium (averaging around $34.50 for standalone plans in 2026), a deductible (up to $615 in 2026), and copays/coinsurance for drugs, with high-income earners paying extra and a late enrollment penalty possible, though some plans have $0 deductibles and assistance is available for low-income individuals. After January 1, 2025, the coverage gap ("donut hole") was eliminated, capping annual out-of-pocket drug costs, with $0 costs after reaching the yearly limit. 

Is Medicare Part D worth it for seniors?

While the lower-tier drugs may be manageable to pay for without Part D coverage, the higher tiers may give you sticker shock. So, while you may have to pay a premium, deductible, copay or coinsurance, your overall Medicare Part D costs will likely be significantly less than if you don't have coverage.

What is the most popular Medicare Part D plan?

There isn't one single "most popular" plan, but UnitedHealthcare (AARP) and Wellcare are frequently cited as top choices for Part D, with UHC often praised for overall quality, network, and low deductibles, while Wellcare leads in affordability and $0 premium options in some areas. Other strong contenders include Cigna, Humana, and Aetna, known for different strengths like perks, $0 plans, or low-cost tiers, but the best plan depends on your specific drugs and location. 

What does Medicare Part D not cover?

Medicare does not cover:

• Drugs used to treat anorexia, weight loss, or weight gain. ...
• Fertility drugs.
• Drugs used for cosmetic purposes or hair growth. ...
• Drugs that are only for the relief of cold or cough symptoms.
• Drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.
• Prescription. ...
• Non-prescription drugs (over-the-counter drugs)

Who should not enroll in Medicare Part D?

When you become eligible for Medicare, you should enroll in a Part D plan unless you have other creditable prescription drug coverage. Creditable drug coverage is coverage that is considered to be as good as or better than Part D.

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, failing to review plans annually, underestimating total costs (premiums, deductibles, copays), not enrolling in a Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, and assuming one-size-fits-all coverage or that Medicare covers everything like long-term care. People often delay enrollment, get locked into old plans without checking for better options, or overlook financial assistance programs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and penalties. 

Which is better, Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage?

Neither Medicare Part D (prescription drugs only) nor Medicare Advantage (Part C, all-in-one) is inherently "better"; they serve different needs, with Advantage plans often bundling Part D plus extras like dental/vision for a network-based, integrated experience, while Part D provides standalone drug coverage for those with Original Medicare who prefer wider doctor choice and nationwide coverage. Choosing depends on whether you prioritize convenience and extra benefits (Advantage) or freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider without referrals (Original Medicare + Part D). 

Can you have Medicare Part D alone?

Yes, you can have Medicare Part D only as a standalone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) if you have Original Medicare (Part A/B) or a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, adding drug coverage that Original Medicare doesn't provide, but you must enroll in a private plan since Part D isn't in Original Medicare. You cannot have a standalone PDP and a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage (MA-PD) simultaneously, so it's an either/or choice for your overall coverage. 

Is it better to have straight Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan?

Neither Original Medicare nor Medicare Advantage (MA) is inherently "better"; the best choice depends on your health, budget, and lifestyle, with Original Medicare offering provider freedom and MA providing bundled benefits (dental/vision) and cost predictability via an out-of-pocket maximum, but often with network restrictions. Choose Original Medicare + Medigap for nationwide access and no networks, ideal for travelers or those wanting maximum choice, while Medicare Advantage suits those wanting all-in-one coverage (including drugs/extras like dental/vision) with lower upfront costs and a cap on yearly spending, provided they stay in-network. 

What if I don't get Medicare Part B?

If you don't want Medicare Part B, you can decline it by following instructions in your Medicare welcome packet or by submitting Form CMS-1763 to Social Security, but you should only do so if you have other "creditable" coverage like a large employer plan (20+ employees) to avoid penalties later; otherwise, declining Part B means no coverage for doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical supplies, potentially costing more than premiums. 

What is the maximum out-of-pocket for Medicare Part D?

For Medicare Part D, the maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit for covered prescription drugs is $2,100 in 2026, a new cap established by recent legislation that significantly reduces costs for beneficiaries after they reach this threshold, paying $0 for covered drugs for the rest of the year. This cap includes deductibles, copays, and coinsurance for covered drugs but excludes monthly plan premiums, and it applies to all Part D enrollees, with lower-income individuals qualifying for "Extra Help". 

Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?

People warn against Medicare Advantage (MA) plans due to limited doctor/hospital networks, complex pre-authorization for care, higher potential out-of-pocket costs for serious illnesses, annual plan changes (benefits/networks), denials of care, and difficulty switching back to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan later, especially if you become sick. While MA offers extra perks (dental, vision, low premiums), these restrictions can be burdensome, prioritizing insurer profits over patient freedom, making it risky for those with ongoing health issues. 

What Medicare plan covers everything for seniors?

Original Medicare covers most medically necessary services and supplies in hospitals, doctors' offices, and other health care facilities.

How much does Medicare Part D cost per month for seniors?

Medicare Part D costs for seniors vary, but the average monthly premium for a standalone plan in 2026 is projected around $34.50, though prices range widely from under $1 to nearly $200, plus potential extra costs like a deductible, copays, and higher premiums (IRMAA) for high-income earners, while lower-income folks can get assistance through "Extra Help".
 

Why am I being billed for Medicare Part D?

You're being charged for Medicare Part D because it's optional prescription drug coverage from private insurers, and costs come from your plan's premium, potential late enrollment penalties for past delays, or higher income (IRMAA) surcharges, often deducted from Social Security or billed directly. Charges can also reflect your share of costs (copays/deductibles) for prescriptions or arise from employer plans. 

What if I don't want Medicare Part D?

Penalties if You Don't Enroll in a Part D Plan

$38.99 in 2026; this figure changes each year) for every month you were eligible and did not enroll. This amount is added on to your drug plan premium.

Is Part D deducted from social security?

Yes, you can have your Medicare Part D premium deducted from your Social Security check, but you must arrange it with your private drug plan, and the deduction usually starts a few months after you sign up; otherwise, you'll pay the plan directly, while any income-related Part D surcharges (IRMAA) are automatically taken from your benefits. 

What is the best drug plan for Medicare Part D?

Best Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans for 2026

• Best Overall: UnitedHealthcare.
• Best for Plan Costs: Humana.
• Best for Overall Quality: Aetna.
• Best for Customer Satisfaction: HealthSpring (formerly Cigna)

Do I really need Medicare Part D?

Yes, you likely need Medicare Part D because it's optional but crucial for covering prescription costs, with penalties for delaying enrollment if you lack other "creditable" drug coverage (like from an employer/VA/Tricare). Even if you don't take meds now, signing up for a low-cost plan (or one with a $0 premium) helps avoid potentially high future costs and permanent late enrollment penalties (1% for each month you missed) added to your premium, says Medicare.gov and NerdWallet.