What are two options for Medicare consumers getting Part D?

Medicare consumers have two main ways to get Part D prescription drug coverage: a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) added to Original Medicare (Parts A & B) or bundled within a Medicare Advantage (MA-PD) plan, which combines hospital, medical, and drug coverage into one plan. PDPs are for those who want to stay with Original Medicare, while MA-PDs offer an "all-in-one" solution with extra benefits like dental or vision.

What are the two ways to obtain Medicare Part D?

You can enroll in a Part D plan in several ways:

• on the medicare.gov website,
• by calling a Part D plan directly, or.
• by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

What are the two types of Medicare Part D plans?

Some Part D plans, called MAPD, are bundled with Medicare Advantage plans. Others are standalone plans, called PDP, that you can add to Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage.

What are the two eligibility requirements for a Medicare Part D plan?

To join Part D plan, an individual must: Have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) or Part B (Medical Insurance). Live in the service area of the plan you want to join. Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S.

What are the two options for Medicare?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) are two different ways to get Medicare benefits. Both options provide the same basic level of hospital and medical insurance but there are also important differences between them.

How Medicare Part D Works (2025)

What two types of coverage are provided by Medicare?

Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). Original Medicare covers things like inpatient hospital care, doctors' services and tests, and preventive services. You pay for services and items as you get them.

How much does Medicare Part D cost?

The average estimated monthly Part D plan premium in 2026 is $34.50. Other factors can affect the cost of Part D including monthly premium, yearly deductible and copayments. High-income earners may pay a surcharge known as the “income-related monthly adjustment amount” (IRMAA).

How could a Medicare eligible consumer get Part D prescription drug coverage?

To get coverage, you must enroll in a Medicare-approved private drug plan. There are at least two ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage. You can join a Medicare prescription drug plan or you can join a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage.

Can you get Medicare Part D at any time?

No, you can't get Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) at any time; you must enroll during specific enrollment periods, primarily your Initial Enrollment Period (around turning 65) or the Annual Election Period (Oct 15–Dec 7) each year, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to losing other creditable coverage or other life events. If you miss these times without other creditable drug coverage, you'll face a permanent late enrollment penalty. 

Can you get Medicare Part D if you have Medicare Advantage?

Yes, you can have Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D, as most Medicare Advantage plans bundle prescription drug coverage (Part D) into them, creating a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan. If your MA plan doesn't include drug coverage, you generally can't join a separate Part D plan; you'd be disenrolled from your MA plan.
 

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. 

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. 

Can I have two Medicare Part D plans?

No, you generally cannot have more than one Medicare Part D plan (prescription drug plan) at the same time; you can only be covered by one Part D plan, but you can switch plans annually during Open Enrollment (Oct 15 - Dec 7) or during special enrollment periods if your situation changes, like moving or qualifying for Extra Help. 

What are two different ways a consumer can get prescription drug coverage?

1. Types of Part D Plans

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Some HMOs provide Part D prescription drug coverage and others do not. ...
• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Only local PPOs are offered in California in 2026. ...
• Special Needs Plans (SNP)

Which of the following options will enable a consumer to obtain prescription drug coverage?

Therefore, enrolling in an MA-PD plan directly provides this coverage. Another common way to get prescription drug coverage is by enrolling in a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), which is separate from an MA plan.

What is the best way to apply for Medicare Part D?

The best way to sign up for Medicare Part D is to first use the official Medicare Plan Finder on medicare.gov/plan-compare (or call 1-800-MEDICARE) to compare plans using your specific medications for personalized cost estimates, then enroll online via Medicare.gov, directly with the chosen plan, or with assistance from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased help, ensuring you enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (around age 65) or Annual Enrollment (Oct 15-Dec 7) to avoid penalties. 

Do seniors pay for Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) helps older adults pay for the cost of prescription drugs. If you have a Medicare Part D plan, you may pay premiums, deductibles, copayments, and/or coinsurance for your drug coverage.

How do I add Part D to an existing Medicare plan?

To add Part D to your existing Medicare (like Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan), you enroll in a separate, private stand-alone Part D plan during specific periods (like the Annual Enrollment Oct 15-Dec 7) via Medicare.gov, calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or directly with a plan, choosing a plan that covers your prescriptions and paying premiums. You can't add it directly to Original Medicare; you buy a separate plan, or if in an MA plan, you switch to an MA-PD plan during enrollment periods. 

What makes someone Medicare Part D eligible?

Anyone with Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) or Part B (Medical Insurance) is eligible for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, offered through private plans, regardless of income, health, or current drug use, provided they live in the plan's service area and are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present. Eligibility also extends to those under 65 with certain disabilities like ESRD or ALS. 

What are two ways beneficiaries can get Medicare prescription drug coverage?

You can add a separate drug plan (sometimes called a Prescription Drug Plan or PDP) to Original Medicare. Medicare drug plans can also add drug coverage to some Medicare health plans, like some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans, some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans.

Can you enroll in Medicare Part D at any time?

No, you can't enroll in Medicare Part D at any time; you must enroll during specific windows like your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) when you first get Medicare, the Annual Election Period (October 15–December 7) to change plans, or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you have qualifying life changes (like losing other creditable drug coverage), otherwise you risk a lifetime late enrollment penalty. 

Is Medicare Part D 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 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. 

What is the best Medicare Part D plan?

The "best" Medicare Part D plan isn't one-size-fits-all; it depends on your specific prescription drugs, preferred pharmacies, and budget, but top-rated providers for 2026 often include UnitedHealthcare (UHC) for overall value/deductibles, Humana for low premiums/costs, and Aetna for quality/generics, with providers like Cigna (HealthSpring) also scoring high on satisfaction, requiring you to use the official Medicare Plan Finder to input your drugs for personalized results.