Medicare Part D is the portion of Original Medicare that offers prescription drug coverage. It is completely optional and not the only way to secure prescription drug coverage in Medicare. Most people who are eligible for Medicare are eligible for Part D. Read on to learn more about the specifics of Part D eligibility below.
Who Needs Medicare Part D
Most insurance brokers recommend that everyone get prescription drug coverage. Whether or not you need medications now, you will likely need them in the future. However, there are two main ways to get prescription drug coverage under Medicare. The first is Part D, and the second is Medicare Advantage Plans. If you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage, you do not need Part D
Additionally, some people have other forms of prescription drug coverage. If you have any of these plans, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) advise you to continue with that prescription drug coverage rather than purchase Part D. These plans include:
Federal Employee Health Benefits Program
Veterans’ Benefits
TRICARE
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Indian Health Services
If you have these plans, your prescription drug coverage is generally satisfactory and you do not need Part D.
Who Can Get Medicare Part D
Anyone who is eligible for Medicare can enroll in Part D. To be eligible for Medicare, you have to belong to one of the following three populations: people 65 and older, younger people with disabilities and eligible for Social Security, and younger people with End Stage Renal Disease. While each of these three categories has slightly different eligibility requirements, generally you must be a U.S. citizen or resident. You may also be subject to certain tax or Social Security requirements.
In order to enroll in Part D, you have to first enroll in Part A. This is the part of Medicare that you are automatically enrolled in when you first enroll in Medicare. You may also enroll in Part B, but this is not a requirement in order to get prescription drug coverage under Part D.
Questions?
Medicare Part D is one way to get prescription drug coverage under Medicare. Anyone who is eligible for Medicare and is enrolled in Part A is eligible for Part D. Part D is not the only way to get prescription drug coverage in Medicare. Contact us at MedicareMisty to determine your prescription coverage options today.
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