Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Part D is the name used to describe the optional Medicare prescription drug program. It is regulated by Medicare but administered by private insurance companies and comes in various shapes and sizes according to what county you live in.

The two primary ways to get a Medicare prescription drug coverage is through a standalone Part D plan OR by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that includes Part D benefits.

If you live in Hood County, there are dozens of plans available that include Medicare Part D coverage, but navigating which one is best suited for you depends on several factors. Namely, which medications you take and what pharmacy you prefer to fill them at. For example, if you want to use Ron’s Pharmacy instead of HEB or Granbury Drug, you need to find a Part D plan that includes Ron’s in their preferred pharmacy list.

This is where we come in! I will help you navigate the often confusing Medicare Part D landscape and stick with you year in and year out.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medicare Part D

  • It depends. If you are 65 or older and covered under an employer-health plan that already provides prescription drug coverage, you can delay enrolling in Medicare Part D without a penalty. However, if you do not have credible coverage through an employer, you will accrue a penalty of 1% per month for as long as you go without coverage.

  • Choosing the right Medicare drug plan depends on many factors. If you want a Medicare Supplement plan, than a standalone Part D will be best for you. If you want everything together on one card, you might consider Medicare Advantage.

  • In most cases, we can help you select a Medicare drug plan that includes your pharmacy in it’s network. Certain specialty pharmacies, such as Granbury Drug, Tackett Pharmacy, or Ron’s, are only considered in network on certain plans.