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Prescriptions

Do I Need a Part D Drug Plan?

Short answer: probably, even if you don't take medications today. Here's why, and how to do it right.

What Part D covers

Part D covers prescription drugs. You can get it as a standalone plan alongside Original Medicare, or built into most Medicare Advantage plans. Each plan has its own formulary (the list of drugs it covers) and its own pricing tiers.

The late-enrollment penalty

If you go without creditable drug coverage after you're first eligible, you can face a penalty that's added to your premium for as long as you have Part D. That's why many people enroll even when they take nothing, it's inexpensive insurance against a lifelong penalty and future prescriptions.

How we find your lowest-cost plan

The cheapest plan on paper is rarely the cheapest for you. We enter your exact medications and preferred pharmacy, then compare total yearly cost, premium plus what you'll actually pay for your drugs, across the plans available to you.

Bring your medication list. We'll find the plan with the lowest real-world cost for your prescriptions, not just the lowest sticker price.

This guide is general education, not personal advice, and plan details and figures change. For complete information on all your options, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE. Legend Insurance Solutions is not connected with or endorsed by the government or the federal Medicare program.

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