Do all Part D plans cost the same?

No, Medicare Part D plans do not cost the same; monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, and covered drugs vary significantly between plans, as they are offered by private companies and adjusted yearly, with higher-income individuals paying extra amounts (IRMAA) and late enrollees facing penalties.

What is the least expensive Medicare Part D plan?

The least expensive Medicare Part D plans often have low or even $0 premiums, with Wellcare and Humana frequently offering top budget-friendly options like the Wellcare Value Script or Humana Walmart Value Rx, which can feature $0 copays for generic drugs and low deductibles, though costs vary by location and your specific prescriptions. The absolute cheapest plan depends on your drugs, so using the official Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov is crucial for personalized cost estimates. 

Why do Part D premiums vary so much?

Because this program is administered by private prescription insurers who offer more than 1,000 plans nationally, plans vary considerably in premiums, benefit structure, and patient cost-share.

What is the average cost of a Medicare Part D plan?

The premium is the monthly cost of maintaining your prescription drug policy. Premiums for Medicare Part D differ from plan to plan. But the average estimated premium in 2026 is $34.50.

Does everyone pay the same for Medicare Part D?

Note: Some people with higher incomes will pay more for their Part D premiums. This is called IRMAA, or income-related monthly adjustment amount. Learn more about IRMAA. The Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS, or "Extra Help") is open to beneficiaries with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

How Medicare Part D Works (2025)

Can I change my Medicare Part D plan every year?

Yes, you can change your Medicare Part D plan every year during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7, and it's often recommended to compare plans annually as benefits, costs, and drug formularies change. Changes made during AEP take effect on January 1 of the next year, but you can also switch during specific Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) if you have a qualifying event, like moving or losing other coverage. 

Are Part D premiums based on income?

Yes, Medicare Part D premiums are income-based for higher earners, who pay an extra fee called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) on top of their regular plan premium, determined by their tax return from two years prior. Low-income individuals may qualify for the "Extra Help" program, significantly reducing or eliminating these costs. 

What is the most expensive Part D drug?

At over $7.3 billion, the most expensive drug covered under Medicare Part D is apixaban, brand name Eliquis, which is used for blood clots. In 2019, nearly 2.2 million Medicare beneficiaries used this drug.

What is the most popular Medicare supplement plan?

The most popular Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan for new enrollees is Plan G, offering comprehensive coverage similar to the old Plan F but without covering the Medicare Part B deductible; however, Plan F remains popular for those already enrolled, while Plan N is also a top choice for lower premiums in exchange for some copays and deductibles, according to Boomer Benefits and KFF.
 

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.

How can I lower my Medicare Part D prescription costs?

Other ways to lower your prescription drug costs:

• Join Medicare drug coverage (Part D): ...
• Ask your doctor if you can take a generic drug, or a cheaper brand-name drug (if one's available).
• Check costs for mail-order pharmacies. ...
• Learn if the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan might be able to help you manage your costs.

Why is Medicare Part D going up so much in 2025?

It's capped at $2,000, a threshold that will rise each year to cover inflation. Lawmakers in Congress set those changes in the Inflation Reduction Act under President Joe Biden. The law also shifted a larger share of the cost of drugs used by Medicare beneficiaries from the federal program to insurers.

What are the red flags of an online pharmacy?

Warning Signs of an Unsafe Online Pharmacy

Do not have a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer your questions. Send medicine that looks different than what you receive at your usual pharmacy, or arrives in packaging that is broken, damaged, in a foreign language, has no expiration date, or is expired.

What if I can't afford Medicare Part D?

Just complete our Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (Form SSA-1020). Use one of these methods: Apply online at www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone or to request an application.

Who is the largest Medicare Part D provider?

UnitedHealthcare is the largest Medicare Part D provider in the U.S., serving nearly 13.7 million Medicare beneficiaries.

Can I use GoodRx instead of my Medicare Part D plan?

Yes, you can use GoodRx instead of Medicare Part D for a specific prescription if the GoodRx price is lower or if your drug isn't covered, but you cannot combine them, and costs don't count toward your Medicare deductible; just ask the pharmacist to process it as cash, not insurance. This is best for situations where your Part D plan has high copays or doesn't cover the drug, but remember you still need Part D for overall coverage and to avoid future penalties, so compare prices carefully. 

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. 

Is Blue Cross or UnitedHealthcare better?

UnitedHealthcare gets slightly higher overall star ratings than BCBS and may offer lower prices, but BCBS might offer a better customer experience.

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.

Who has the best Part D prescription drug plan?

• Best for low average premiums: Wellcare Medicare Part D.
• Best for $0 premiums: Humana Medicare Part D.
• Additional Medicare Part D companies.
• Best for widespread availability: AARP Medicare Part D Plans from UnitedHealthcare.
• Best pharmacy network: Aetna SilverScript Medicare Part D Plans.

How much should Part D cost?

The standard Medicare Part D premium is an average, estimated $34.50 per month for 2026, but your actual cost varies by plan and can be higher due to income (IRMAA) or late enrollment penalties, with the average plan also having a deductible up to $615 and copays/coinsurance for drugs. Premiums can differ significantly; some low-premium national plans exist, while others have much higher costs, and there's assistance for low-income individuals (Extra Help). 

What is the maximum out-of-pocket for Part D in 2025?

For 2025, the Medicare Part D out-of-pocket maximum is capped at $2,000, a significant reduction from previous years, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), meaning beneficiaries pay $0 for covered drugs after reaching this limit, with costs including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance counting towards it. 

Can I deduct Medicare Part D premiums on my taxes?

Medicare B — This is supplemental insurance, and you can include it. Medicare Part D — This is voluntary insurance and it's always includable.

Why is it not a good idea to have supplemental insurance?

One of the most significant drawbacks of supplemental insurance policies is the coverage limits. For instance, with Mechanical Repair Coverage, you'll typically need to pay out of pocket until your deductible is met on your primary policy before supplemental insurance takes over to cover a costly vehicle repair.

How much will Medicare Part D cost in 2026?

The Part D deductible can be no more than $615 per year. In 2026, annual out-of-pocket Part D costs will increase from $2,000 to $2,100. If you take high-cost medications covered by Part D, you could see major savings. After meeting the out-of-pocket limit, you pay $0 for covered drugs for the rest of the year.