Does Medicare Cover Prescription Drugs?

Does Medicare cover prescription drugs? The short answer is yes, but not automatically through Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). To get coverage for your medications, you need to choose a specific path: either a standalone Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.

Understanding how Medicare handles prescription drugs is crucial because the costs can add up quickly. Original Medicare only covers a very limited set of drugs, typically those administered in a hospital or doctor's office. For the medications you pick up at the pharmacy, you must take action to secure coverage.

We believe in straight answers, no surprises. The system can be confusing, but you don't have to navigate it alone. We are on your side of the table, ready to help you protect what you've earned.

When it comes to Medicare, you have two paths, not two products. The real choice is Traditional Medicare (A+B) versus Medicare Advantage.

If you choose the Traditional Medicare path, you will likely want to add a standalone Medicare Part D plan to cover your prescription drugs. You might also consider a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help with out-of-pocket costs for medical services, though Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs.

If you choose the Medicare Advantage path, most of these plans (Part C) bundle your Part A, Part B, and prescription drug coverage into one plan.

Each path has its own rules, costs, and network restrictions. It's important to compare your options carefully based on the specific medications you take. Every drug plan has a formulary, which is a list of covered drugs. You want to make sure your prescriptions are on the formulary of the plan you choose.

Don't leave your health and your wallet to chance. Let us walk you through every option and find the right coverage for your needs. Compare free, no obligation.