Here are 2 ways medicare recipients can get drug coverage:

1. Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs)
add drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans. You must have Medicare Part A or Part B to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

2. Medicare Advantage Plans (HMO or PPO plans provided by private companies)
These plans provide all of your Plan A, Plan B and prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans that offer all three are sometimes called MA-PDs for Medicare Advantage with Part D. You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to join a Medicare Advantage Plan. Not all of these plans offer drug coverage, so be sure to verify that with your plan provider.

When Can you enroll in a Drug Plan?

• • When you first become eligible for Medicare, you can join during your Initial Enrollment period. You can either join through original Medicare or through a plan, such as a Medicare Advantage Plan, offered by a private company.

• • If you get Part B for the first time during the General Enrollment Period, you can also join a Medicare drug plan.

• • During the annual Open Enrollment period from October 15 – December 7 of each year. Your coverage will begin on January 1 of the following year.

Monthly Premiums

Most Medicare Part D plans charge a monthly fee that varies by plan. You pay this in addition to the Part B premium. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Cost Plan that includes Medicare Part D, the monthly premium may include an amount for prescription drug coverage.

Yearly Deductible

Some Medicare prescription drug plans have a yearly deductible. You will have to pay that amount before your drug plan begins to pay its share of your covered drugs.

Copayments or Coinsurance

Depending on your plan, you may have to pay a portion of your drug costs at the time you pick up your prescription. This may apply even after you have paid the deductible if your plan has one.