A logo for a website called yourmedplan.com

Medicare PDP Plans

Medicare Part D, or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), provides coverage for prescription medications, helping to reduce out-of-pocket costs for your essential prescriptions and ensuring you have access to the medications you need.

Take Control of Your Prescription Costs

If you’re looking to manage your prescription medication expenses effectively, consider exploring Medicare Part D. Our Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are designed to help you reduce out-of-pocket costs and ensure you have access to the medications you need. Reach out to one of our knowledgeable agents today to learn more about how these plans can benefit you and to find the best option for your healthcare needs. Our team is here to provide the information and guidance you need to make an informed decision about your prescription drug coverage.

An elderly man is holding a potted plant in a greenhouse.
A blurry picture of a beach at sunset with waves coming in.

PDP Plan Basics

A Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), also known as Medicare Part D, is an optional program offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare to help cover the cost of prescription medications. These plans, which charge a monthly premium, vary in cost and the specific drugs they cover. If you don’t join a PDP when first eligible, and lack other creditable prescription drug coverage, you may face a late enrollment penalty. Note that if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes drug coverage, you cannot have a standalone PDP.

Why should I get a PDP Plan?

A Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) is essential because it helps cover the cost of prescription medications, which can be a significant portion of healthcare expenses, especially for those with chronic conditions. Without a PDP, you would have to pay out-of-pocket for all your prescription drugs. Having a PDP not only provides financial protection against high drug costs but also ensures access to necessary medications. It’s important to note that if you don’t join a PDP when first eligible and don’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage, you may face a late enrollment penalty, making early enrollment advantageous.

What does A PDP cover?

A Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) covers a broad range of prescription medications. Each PDP has a formulary, or list of covered drugs, which includes both generic and brand-name drugs. The specifics of what each plan covers can vary, as each insurance company has the flexibility to design its own formulary within Medicare’s guidelines. However, Medicare requires all PDP’s to cover at least two drugs in most medication categories and classes, and all drugs in certain required categories, ensuring a minimum level of coverage. It’s important for individuals to review a plan’s formulary to ensure it covers their specific medications before enrolling.

Medicare Part D FAQ

A blue brush stroke on a white background.

  • What is a Medicare PDP plan?

    A standalone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) is a plan offered by private insurance companies that only provides prescription drug coverage. These plans are designed to work alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), which does not include prescription drug coverage.

  • Who is eligible for a Medicare PDP?

    You’re eligible for a Medicare PDP if you’re entitled to Medicare Part A and/or enrolled in Medicare Part B. You must also live in the service area of the Medicare drug plan you want to join.

  • When can I apply for Medicare PDP Insurance?

    You can enroll in a Medicare PDP during your Initial Enrollment Period when you first become eligible for Medicare, or during the Annual Enrollment Period which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year.

  • What does a Medicare PDP cover?

    Medicare PDPs cover a wide range of prescription drugs. Each plan has a formulary, or list of covered drugs, which includes both brand-name prescription drugs and generic drugs. However, the specific drugs covered can vary from plan to plan.

  • Can I have a Medicare PDP and an Advantage Plan at the same time?

    Yes, but only if your Medicare Advantage Plan is a PFFS and doesn’t include prescription drug coverage. If your Medicare Advantage Plan includes drug coverage, you generally can’t join a separate Medicare PDP.

  • What happens if I don't enroll in a Medicare PDP when I'm first eligible?

     If you don’t enroll in a Medicare PDP when you’re first eligible and you don’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you join a plan later.

  • What if I can't afford a Medicare PDP?

    If you have limited income and resources, you may be eligible for Extra Help, a program that helps pay for some to most of the costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage.


    Please note that this is a general overview and the specifics can vary depending on individual circumstances and changes in Medicare policy. Always consult with a Medicare representative or a healthcare advisor for personalized advice.

Share by: