Updated for plan year 2026 on 2026-07-25
What is Medicare Part D drug coverage?
Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private Medicare plans. You can get it as a stand-alone drug plan or through many Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage.
What to check before you choose
Medicare choices depend on your dates, county, prescriptions, doctors, pharmacies, and how much risk you are comfortable carrying during the year.
- Confirm the beneficiary's Medicare effective dates, county, prescriptions, doctors, and coverage goals.
- Separate general education from plan-specific recommendations and document consent before marketing discussions.
- Check current plan-year rules, premiums, formularies, pharmacy pricing, networks, and enrollment-window eligibility.