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Should I choose a Medicare Part D plan that has an initial deductible?

 From what we have noticed, the paying of a $590 deductible appears to be almost a matter of personal preference rather than pure economics.

We have spoken with some people who wish to have no deductible (they want "first dollar" coverage and enroll in a plan with a $0 deductible), even when the total annual estimated plan costs would be more than a similar plan with a standard $590 deductible. Other people are looking at the Medicare Part D plans as a strictly economic exercise and choose a plan only on the basis of estimated costs, rather than convenience or comfort. People familiar with, for instance, automobile insurance understand how an insurance deductible functions and simply anticipate paying the initial $590 before coverage begins.

Objectively, perhaps it is best to begin searching for a plan that most affordably covers your existing medications (and has a large enough plan Formulary (drug list) to cover next year's potential medications) and then consider your feelings about the initial $590 deductible.

Please note: Some people think that a Medicare plan with a deductible and lower monthly premium will be less expensive throughout the whole plan year. But, if you choose a plan with coinsurance (you pay a percentage of your drug costs), you may find that mid-year increases in retail drug costs make your plan less affordable than a Medicare Part D plan that has a higher monthly premium and fixed copayment cost sharing. When in doubt, call a Medicare representative at 1-800-633-4227 and ask for assistance choosing a Medicare plan.


Popular Question: If I enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan that has an initial deductible, will the deductible impact when I go into the Donut Hole?

No.  If your Medicare Part D plan has an Initial Deductible, you will pay first 100% of your prescription drug costs until you have met the deductible.

For instance, if your drug plan has a $360 deductible, you pay 100% of your drug costs until reaching $360.  Please note that some Medicare Part D plans with an Initial Deductible exclude one or more generic drug tiers from the deductible.

However, having an Initial Deductible does not affect when you go into the Donut Hole or Coverage Gap.  Although the Initial Deductible does affect how long you stay in the Donut Hole.  (Please remember that when you exit the Donut Hole or Coverage Gap you will enter the Catastrophic Coverage portion of your Medicare prescription drug plan.) You can click here to read more.


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  • We provide our Q1Medicare.com site for educational purposes and strive to present unbiased and accurate information. However, Q1Medicare is not intended as a substitute for your lawyer, doctor, healthcare provider, financial advisor, or pharmacist. For more information on your Medicare coverage, please be sure to seek legal, medical, pharmaceutical, or financial advice from a licensed professional or telephone Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.
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  • Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. Our PDPCompare.com and MACompare.com provide highlights of annual plan benefit changes.
  • The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact the plan.
  • Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply.
  • We make every effort to show all available Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plans in your service area. However, since our data is provided by Medicare, it is possible that this may not be a complete listing of plans available in your service area. For a complete listing please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov.
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    "We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options."
  • When enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.
  • Medicare beneficiaries with higher incomes may be required to pay both a Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Read more on IRMAA.
  • Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage (MAPDs) are considered Medicare Part D plans and members with higher incomes may be subject to the Medicare Part D Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), just as members in stand-alone Part D plans. In certain situations, you can appeal IRMAA.
  • You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Members may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan only during specific times of the year. Contact the Medicare plan for more information.
  • If you are enrolled in a Medicare plan with Part D prescription drug coverage, you may be eligible for financial Extra Help to assist with the payment of your prescription drug premiums and drug purchases. To see if you qualify for Extra Help, call: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov; the Social Security Office at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or your state Medicaid Office.
  • Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-Star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next.
  • A Medicare Advantage Private Fee-for-Service plan (PFFS) is not a Medicare supplement plan. Providers who do not contract with the plan are not required to see you except in an emergency.
  • Disclaimer for Institutional Special Needs Plan (SNP): This plan is available to anyone with Medicare who meets the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) level of care and resides in a nursing home.
  • Disclaimer for Dual Eligible (Medicare/Medicaid) Special Needs Plan (SNP): This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. Premiums, co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details.
  • Disclaimer for Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (SNP): This plan is available to anyone with Medicare who has been diagnosed with the plan specific Chronic Condition.
  • Medicare MSA Plans combine a high deductible Medicare Advantage Plan and a trust or custodial savings account (as defined and/or approved by the IRS). The plan deposits money from Medicare into the account. You can use this money to pay for your health care costs, but only Medicare-covered expenses count toward your deductible. The amount deposited is usually less than your deductible amount, so you generally have to pay out-of-pocket before your coverage begins.
  • Medicare MSA Plans do not cover prescription drugs. If you join a Medicare MSA Plan, you can also join any separate (stand-alone) Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
  • There are additional restrictions to join an MSA plan, and enrollment is generally for a full calendar year unless you meet certain exceptions. Those who disenroll during the calendar year will owe a portion of the account deposit back to the plan. Contact the plan provider for additional information.
  • Medicare beneficiaries may enroll through the CMS Medicare Online Enrollment Center located at www.medicare.gov.
  • Medicare beneficiaries can file a complaint with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services by calling 1-800-MEDICARE 24 hours a day/7 days or using the medicare.gov site. Beneficiaries can appoint a representative by submitting CMS Form-1696.
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