Medicare 101
Medicare Part D
A clear guide to prescription drug coverage, costs, and enrollment.
Prescription Coverage
What Part D Covers
Medicare Part D helps pay for many outpatient prescription drugs. Coverage is offered through private plans approved by Medicare, each with its own list of covered medicines, pharmacy network, and costs.
Plan formulary
Pharmacy network
Monthly premium
Copays and coinsurance
Plan Basics
Know What To Compare
A plan that works well for one person may not be the best fit for another. Start with the prescriptions you take and the pharmacies you prefer.
Review Your Medicines
Before choosing a plan, make a list of every prescription you take, including the dosage and how often you refill it.
Check Plans Each Year
Drug lists, pharmacy networks, and costs can change. Review your coverage during Medicare Open Enrollment.
2026 Part D Cost Protection
For 2026, your out-of-pocket costs for covered Part D drugs are capped at $2,100 for the calendar year. After you reach this limit, you pay $0 for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year. Your actual costs can still depend on your plan, the medicines you take, and whether you use an in-network pharmacy.
01
Covered drugs
Check whether your medications are on the plan’s formulary and whether any coverage rules apply.
03
Total costs
Look beyond the premium to deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and how costs may change during the year.
Common Questions
Part D FAQs
These answers provide a helpful starting point. Your circumstances and coverage choices may be different.