How do you pay for a Medicare Part D plan?

Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage is like any other insurance - you will pay a monthly premium - then you may pay a deductible before your plan's coverage begins (unless your plan does not have a deductible) - and then you pay some cost-sharing for your drug coverage (for example, a $1 copay for a low-cost generic or 33% of the retail drug price for a more expensive drug).

How do you actually pay the Medicare Part D premium?

You can choose how your premium is paid: You can have your monthly premium deducted from your social security check or direct withdraw from your checking account or you can be billed by your plan or there may be other options.

You will select your payment method when you enroll in your Medicare plan - and you have the ability to change your premium payment option during the plan year by contacting your Medicare drug plan (the toll-free number for Member Services is on your Member ID card and most of the plan's printed information).
Am I charged a Part D premium even when I don't use my plan?

Yes. Like your car insurance, you are charged your monthly Medicare plan premium no matter if you purchase medications or not.
What will I pay for a monthly premium?

Premiums can range from $0 (for an MAPD) to over $100 per month. The monthly premium for your Medicare plan depends on whether you select:
- a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug only plan (PDP) or a Medicare Advantage plan that combines your health and prescription drug coverage (MAPD),
- where you reside (state or county), and
- which Medicare drug plan you choose.
- You can use our PDP-Finder to compare all prescription drug only plans (PDPs) in your state or our MA-Finder to compare all Medicare Advantage plans (MAPDs, MAs, SNPs).