Do most people take Medicare Part D?

Yes, the vast majority of Medicare beneficiaries, over three-quarters, are enrolled in Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage, either through stand-alone plans (PDPs) or within Medicare Advantage plans (MA-PDs) that bundle benefits. Enrollment in MA-PDs has grown significantly, now representing the majority of Part D enrollees, while stand-alone PDP enrollment has slightly decreased as Medicare Advantage's popularity rises.

Do most people have Medicare Part D?

Data from KFF, as of 2025, shows that 54.8 million beneficiaries were enrolled in Part D plans, with 58% enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans and 42% in standalone prescription drug plans.

Is it worth it to get Medicare Part D?

Yes, Medicare Part D is generally worth it for most people, even if you don't take many drugs now, because it provides crucial cost protection for future prescriptions, especially with new 2025/2026 caps and payment plans that limit out-of-pocket costs, preventing potential financial ruin from expensive medications, although costs and coverage vary by plan, so comparing your specific drug needs to plan formularies during open enrollment is essential. 

What are the cons 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.

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. 

Do You Really Need Medicare Part D?

What happens if I don't want Medicare Part D?

2. Penalties if You Don't Enroll in a Part D Plan. If you do not enroll in a plan and do not have creditable coverage for your drugs, you will incur a penalty of 1% of the average national premium (approx. $38.99 in 2026; this figure changes each year) for every month you were eligible and did not enroll.

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 do most people pay for Medicare Part D?

The average cost for a standalone Medicare Part D plan is around $34.50 per month for 2026, but costs vary widely by plan, location, and income, with deductibles up to $615 and copays/coinsurance for drugs. For Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans with drug coverage (MAPD), the average premium is lower, projected to be about $11.50 monthly in 2026, plus your Part B premium. Key costs include premiums, deductibles (max $615 in 2026), copays/coinsurance, and potential Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) for higher earners. 

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. 

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.

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 GoodRx as good as Medicare Part D?

No, GoodRx is not "as good as" Medicare Part D; it's a separate discount tool you can use instead of Part D for individual prescriptions when it's cheaper, but you still need Part D for overall coverage to avoid penalties and cover gaps, as GoodRx doesn't combine with Medicare and isn't insurance. GoodRx excels when your drug isn't covered, when its cash price beats your Part D copay, or during the coverage gap (donut hole). 

When did Medicare Part D become required?

In 2003, Congress signed into law the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act. This law includes a prescription drug benefit called Medicare Part D. This new law makes prescription drug coverage available to all Medicare beneficiaries beginning January 1, 2006.

What drugs are not covered by Part D?

Medicare Part D generally excludes drugs for weight loss/gain, fertility, hair growth, and sexual dysfunction (unless for other conditions), plus over-the-counter (OTC) meds, cough/cold relief, most vitamins, and those covered by Part A/B (like hospital drugs). While plans must cover certain classes (like antidepressants, cancer meds), specifics vary by plan's "formulary," and exceptions can sometimes be requested. 

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.

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower overall costs and simplicity for seniors, while private insurance excels in covering dependents and potentially offering more choice with networks/out-of-pocket caps, though at higher premiums. Medicare boasts lower admin costs and standardized coverage, but Original Medicare lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, a feature typically found in private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C). 

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.

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.

Is Medicare Part D mandatory?

No, Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage is not mandatory, but it's strongly recommended to enroll when first eligible or have other "creditable coverage" (like through an employer, VA, or TRICARE) to avoid a permanent late enrollment penalty if you sign up later. If you don't have other good drug coverage and delay joining, you'll pay an extra fee added to your premium for every month you were without coverage.
 

What are the disadvantages of Medicare Part D?

Disadvantages of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans include: Need to anticipate your prescription drug needs for the year: Part D plans differ in the types of drugs they cover. Knowing your medical situation can help you select a plan that is right for you and covers the prescription drugs you expect to need.

What is the most popular Medicare Part D plan for seniors?

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)

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". 

What is the best insurance to go with Medicare?

There's no single "best" Medicare plan, as it depends on your needs, but top-rated providers for Medicare Advantage (Part C) often include Aetna, UnitedHealthcare (AARP), Humana, and Kaiser Permanente, praised for wide networks, low costs, or extra benefits like dental/vision; for Medicare Supplement (Medigap), UnitedHealthcare/AARP and Humana frequently lead in perks and overall value. Always compare plans on Medicare.gov for your specific location and prescriptions, considering costs, doctor networks, and extra benefits like vision, dental, or fitness programs. 

Which medicare advantage plan denies the most claims?

Centene (Wellcare) and CVS Health (Aetna) have faced scrutiny for high prior authorization denial rates in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, with reports showing they had the most denied requests in 2023, though many denials were overturned on appeal, indicating issues with their strict criteria, while UnitedHealthcare also faces lawsuits and uses technology that has led to increased denials, especially for post-acute care, highlighting systemic challenges with MA plan claim approvals.