As most prescription drugs are not covered under Medicare Parts A and B (except for certain injectable drugs covered under Part B), Medicare Part D is available to help pay for prescription drugs that are used. Part D is not automatic, but is offered through private insurance companies in the form of what is known as a Part D Prescription Drug plan.
Part D Prescription Drug plan coverage can be obtained through a separate or stand-alone plan, that typically has monthly premiums, or through a Medicare Advantage plan that can combine coverage for both medical (Medicare Parts A and B) and prescription drugs (Medicare Part D).
While Part D plans are generally subject to certain minimum government standards and requirements, they can vary by cost and by their formulary, or list of drugs that are covered. Typically, co-payments or coinsurance amounts are paid when prescription drugs are received, based on the formulary tier the prescription falls into. Higher amounts may be required to be paid during the “coverage gap,” which can be reached when certain levels of prescription drugs are obtained.
To enroll in a Part D Prescription Drug plan, a person must have Medicare Part A, or enrolled in Part B and, unless excepted, may be subject to a late enrollment penalty if not enrolled during the “initial enrollment period.” Each year there is a time period called the annual election period, from October 15th through December 7th, to enroll or switch plans that become effective starting January 1st of the following year.
Call us now at 425-818-9915 for questions or to obtain more information on Part D Prescription Drug Plans.*
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