Medicare Part D guides
316 explainers covering how the program works — coverage phases and the donut hole, enrollment periods and penalties, IRMAA, Extra Help and the Low-Income Subsidy, and CMS star ratings.
Reference (236)
- Additional Costs of the Premium Penalty
- Additional Notes on the Medicare Part D Formulary
- Additional information for family members, caregivers and third parties on Medicare Part D cost Extra Help from Social Security
- Additional information for state and county legislators on Medicare Part D cost Extra Help from Social Security
- After Enrolling - Looking to the Future of Medicare Part D
- Am I required to use my Medicare Part D prescription drug plan?
- Appealing the Medicare Part D Late Enrollment Penalty
- Appeals involving Determinations of the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
- Archive 2007 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- Archive 2008 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- Archive 2009 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- Archive 2010 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- Archive 2011 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- Archive 2012 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- Archive 2013 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- Archive 2014 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- Archive 2015 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- Browse Any 2026 Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage Plan Formulary
- Browse the 2022 Plan Formulary (Drug List)
- Browse the 2023 Plan Formulary (Drug List)
- Browse the 2024 Plan Formulary (Drug List)
- Browse the 2025 Plan Formulary (Drug List)
- Browse the 2026 Plan Formulary (Drug List)
- Browse the 2027 Plan Formulary (Drug List)
- Buying a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) Policy - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- CMS Guide to LIS Mailings
- CMS Information on the Transition Period
- Can I appeal my Medicare Prescription Drug Plan's decisions? - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Can I join a Medicare plan if I have employer or union coverage? - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Can I keep my Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy if I join a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO)? - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Compare How Three Types of Medicare Advantage Plans Work - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- Correcting Low-Income Subsidy Benefit Level Based on Best Available Evidence (BAE)
- Deciding How to Get Your Medicare Benefits - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Definitions of Words in Blue - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Drug Finder: Find which 2026 Medicare Part D plans best covers your drugs
- Employer or Union Health Coverage - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- Enrollment Form Assistant
- Explanation of Benefits (EOB): If you see mistakes on this summary or have questions, what should you do?
- Explanation of Benefits (EOB): Important things to know about your drug coverage and your rights
- Explanation of Benefits (EOB): Updates to the plan’s Drug List that will affect drugs you take
- Explanation of Benefits (EOB): Your current drug payment stage
- Explanation of Benefits (EOB): Your out-of-pocket costs and total drug costs
- Explanation of Benefits (EOB): Your prescription purchases during the past month
- Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs
- Extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- FAQs on Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
- Find a 2026 Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage Plan by Drug
- Find which 2026 Medicare Part D plans best cover your drugs
- For More Information - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Formulary Changes During the 2006 Plan Year
- Getting the Most out of Your Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- Guide to Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - Applying for Extra Help
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - Extra Help is Available to Those Who Need It Most
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - For More Information
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - How Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Works
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - How much will my drug coverage cost?
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - How to Get Extra Help With Your Medicare Drug Plan Costs
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - I get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits or help from Medicaid paying Medicare Part B premiums (belong to a Medicare Savings Program)
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - I get benefits through Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - I get drug coverage through a current (spouse) or former employer or union
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - I get help from my State Pharmacy Assistance Program (SPAP)
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - I get prescription drug coverage from the Indian Health Service, Tribe or Tribal Health Organization, or Urban Indian Health Program
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - I have TRICARE or benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - Medicare Drug Plan Costs if You Apply and Qualify for Extra Help
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - Plans Available in My Area
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - Prior Authorization and Step Therapy
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - Special Rules for People with End-Stage Renal Disease
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - Step 1: Gather Information about your current coverage and needs
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - Steps to Choosing a Medicare Drug Plan
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - The Basics
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - The Late Enrollment Penalty
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - What Personal Information Will I Need to Enroll?
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - What if I need an Rx Filled before my membership card arrives?
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - What if I'm taking a drug that isn’t on my plan's drug list when my drug plan coverage begins?
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - What to do if my plan won't cover a drug I need?
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - Where can I get my prescriptions filled?
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - Will I get a separate card for my Medicare drug plan?
- Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage - Your Medicare Drug Plan Rights and Appeals
- Guided Help Finding a 2026 Medicare Part D Plan that best meets your needs?
- HIPAA
- Health Care Professional's Fact Sheet on Prescription Drug Coverage Determinations and Exceptions, Appeals & Grievances
- Help for People with Limited Income and Resources - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Hospice Drugs are Covered under Medicare Part A NOT Part D
- How Does Medicare Part D Fit Together with Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and Medicare Part C?
- How Retiree Coverage Works with Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
- How can state agencies help with Medicare costs?
- How do I join a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan? - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- How do I join a Medicare drug plan? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- How do I pay my Medicare drug plan premium? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- How does the Medicare Prescription Drug Program work? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- How does this Donut Hole really work?
- How much does a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan cost? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- How much will my Part D premium penalty be? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- How the standard Medicare Part D plan works
- How to Appeal a Medicare Part D Coverage Decision
- How to Best Prepare for Your Medicare Part D Decision
- How to Join and Switch Medicare Plans - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- How to Request a Coverage Determination or Formulary Exception.
- How to Request a Medicare Part D Coverage Determination, File an Appeal, or File a Complaint
- How to appeal the decision Social Security made on your application for extra help?
- How will I keep track of my out of pocket drug costs?
- How would I decide if a Medicare Part D plan is the right choice for me?
- I'm happy with my existing prescription drug plan and it is creditable - what should I do?
- Important Dates to Remember
- Is Co-Insurance less expensive (or better) than Co-Payment?
- LIS vs Extra Help
- Living with your selected Medicare Part D plan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- MA-Compare: Review Changes in each 2025 Medicare Advantage Plan for 2026
- Medicaid - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Medicaid and Medicare Part D
- Medicaid, Extra Help and LIS
- Medicare Part D Appeals Process Chart
- Medicare Part D Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (or IRMAA)
- Medicare Part D Plan Archives
- Medicare Premiums & Cost-Sharing
- Medicare Prescription Drug and Medicare Advantage Plan Information and Tools
- Medicare Publications - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Medicare Savings Programs (help from Medicaid paying Medicare premiums) - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Medicare Special Needs Plans - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- Medicare and You - A Brief Look at Medicare
- Medicare and You - Signing Up for Medicare Part A and Part B
- Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Medicare and You Handbook from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS)
- Medicare plan quality and CMS Star Ratings
- Need help finding a Medicare Part D Plan that best meets your needs?
- Need help finding the Medicare Part D PDP Plan that best meets your needs?
- Notice of Privacy Practices for the Original Medicare Plan - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Original CMS Position on Prescription Niacin Coverage
- Other Important Medicare Contacts - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Other Medicare Options to Consider - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- Other Medicare Plans - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- Other Medicare Plans, Government, and Private Insurance - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Other Medicare Rights - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- PACE (Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- PDP-Compare: Compare How Your 2025 Medicare Part D Plan Changes for 2026
- PDP-DrugFinder: Find which 2026 Medicare Part D plans best covers your drugs
- PDP-Facts: 2023 Beyond the Numbers
- PDP-Facts: 2023 Medicare Part D Plan Facts and Figures by Region (State)
- PDP-Facts: 2024 Beyond the Numbers
- PDP-Facts: 2024 Medicare Part D Plan Facts and Figures by Region (State)
- PDP-Facts: 2025 Beyond the Numbers
- PDP-Facts: 2025 Medicare Part D Plan Facts and Figures by Region (State)
- PDP-Facts: 2026 Beyond the Numbers
- PDP-Facts: 2026 Medicare Part D Plan Facts and Figures by Region (State)
- PDP-Facts: 2027 Beyond the Numbers
- PDP-Facts: 2027 Medicare Part D Plan Facts and Figures by Region (State)
- Part B Helps Cover ... - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- Part B Helps Cover These Items and Services - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- Part B Premiums are Now Based on Your Income - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- Part D Coverage of Prescription Niacin Products
- Part D Scams - Watch Out!!
- Pharmacy Considerations
- Prescription Drug Formulary Exceptions (Coverage Determinations), Appeals & Grievances
- Programs for People who live in the U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Scams and Prohibited Marketing Tactics
- Should I choose a plan that has an initial low-costing deductible?
- Should I just select the Medicare Part D plan with the Lowest Monthly Premium?
- Should You Get Medicare Part B? - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Should the Pharmacy List play a large role in my Medicare Part D plan selection?
- Social Security: Understanding The Extra Help With Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
- Some Common Medicare Part D Enrollment Errors
- Star Ratings Explanation - Drug Plan Customer Service DD1
- Star Ratings Explanation - Drug Safety and Accuracy of Drug Pricing DD4
- Star Ratings Explanation - Health Plan Customer Service HD5
- Star Ratings Explanation - Managing Chronic (Long Term) Conditions HD2
- Star Ratings Explanation - Member Complaints and Changes in the Health Plan’s Performance HD4
- Star Ratings Explanation - Member Experience with Health Plan HD3
- Star Ratings Explanation - Member Experience with the Drug Plan DD3
- Star Ratings Explanation - Staying Healthy: Screenings, Tests and Vaccines HD1
- State Pharmacy Assistance Programs
- Summary Rating of Health Plan Quality
- Summary Rating of Prescription Drug Plan Quality
- Supplemental Security Income Benefits - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- The Background and Basics of Medicare Part D
- The Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman is Working For You - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- The Premium Penalty - The High Cost of Waiting
- The Premium Penalty Waiting Game
- The income and resources worksheet for preparing to apply for Social Security extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs
- Tips for completing the application for extra help
- Tips from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS)
- Top Long-Term Care Drugs: Find which 2022 Medicare Part D plans best covers your patients drugs
- Top Long-Term Care Drugs: Find which 2023 Medicare Part D plans best covers your patients drugs
- Top Long-Term Care Drugs: Find which 2024 Medicare Part D plans best covers your patients drugs
- Top Long-Term Care Drugs: Find which 2025 Medicare Part D plans best covers your patients drugs
- Top Long-Term Care Drugs: Find which 2026 Medicare Part D plans best covers your patients drugs
- Understanding Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
- Understanding the 2022 Medicare Star Quality Ratings
- Understanding the 2023 Medicare Star Quality Ratings
- Understanding the 2024 Medicare Star Quality Ratings
- Understanding the 2025 Medicare Star Quality Ratings
- Understanding the 2026 Medicare Star Quality Ratings
- Understanding the 2027 Medicare Star Quality Ratings
- Virgin Islands State Pharmacy Assistance Programs (SPAP)
- Want to Stay Informed about Medicare Part D?
- Warning - Medicaid Auto-Enrollment may jeopardize your other health insurance coverage!
- Welcome to Our Online Service Center
- What Are Medicare Advantage Plans (like HMOs and PPOs)?- Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- What Is Medicare Part B? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- What are Medicare Advantage Plans?
- What are some of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan rules? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- What are tiers or categories on a Medicare drug plans drug list (formulary)? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- What can I do if I have to leave my Medicare Advantage Plan because my plan reduces its service area? - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- What can I do if my plan leaves the Medicare Program? - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- What if I get prescription drug coverage from TRICARE, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP)? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- What if I move out of my Medicare plan's service area? - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- What if I need to fill a prescription before I get my Medicare drug plan membership card? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- What if I'm taking a drug that isn't on my plan's drug list or a step-therapy drug when my drug plan coverage takes effect? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- What is Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage- Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- What is NOT counted as a Resource(Asset) by Social Security when applying for extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs?
- What is NOT counted toward Income by Social Security when applying for extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs?
- What is Prior Authorization?
- What is Social Security extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs?
- What is Step Therapy?
- What is TrOOP or True Out-Of-Pocket Costs
- What is meant by Creditable Coverage and How do I know if I have Creditable Coverage?
- What is the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan coverage gap? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- What is the Donut Hole?
- What is the Income limit set by Social Security when applying for extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs?
- What is the Initial Deductible and How Does it Work?
- What is the Original Medicare Plan? - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- What is the Resource (Asset) limit set by Social Security when applying for extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs?
- What isn't covered by Medicare Part A and Part B? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- What you pay for Medicare Advantage Plans - Part C - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- What's Covered Under Medicare - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- What's new or important in Medicare?
- When Can You Sign Up for Medicare Part A and Part B? - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- When can I join a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan available in my area? - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- When can I switch my Medicare plan? - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- When do I need coverage in the Donut Hole (or Coverage Gap)?
- Which Prescription Drugs are Covered under the Medicare Part D plans?
- Who can join a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
- Why are there rules about whether and when certain drugs are covered? - Medicare and You - A Guide to Medicare
- Your Right to Appeal - Medicare and You Handbook - A Guide to Medicare
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2027 plan year (7)
- 2027 in Plan Benefits Details
- 2027 Medicare Advantage Plans
- 2027 Medicare Part D Plan - Quick Search
- 2027 Medicare Part D Plan Search by Formulary ID
- 2027 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans: Overview by CMS
- 2027 Medicare Part D Program Compared to 2026 through 2006.
- 2027 PDP-Planner - Medicare Part D - Out-of-Pocket Cost Calculator
2026 plan year (13)
- 2026 Retail Drug Price Details
- 2026 in Star Rating Details
- 2026 Medicare Advantage Plan Comparison
- 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans
- 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans State Overview
- 2026 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- 2026 Medicare Part D Plan - Quick Search
- 2026 Medicare Part D Plan Overview by State
- 2026 Medicare Part D Plans - Quick Search
- 2026 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans: Overview by CMS
- 2026 PDP-Planner - Medicare Part D - Out-of-Pocket Cost Calculator
- 2026 Summary Rating of Health Plan Quality
- 2026 Top Long-Term Care Drugs: Find which 2026 Medicare Part D plans best covers your patient’s drugs
2025 plan year (9)
- 2025 Retail Drug Price Details
- 2025 Medicare Advantage Plans
- 2025 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- 2025 Medicare Part D Information
- 2025 Medicare Part D Plan - Quick Search
- 2025 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans: Overview by CMS
- 2025 PDP-Planner - Medicare Part D - Out-of-Pocket Cost Calculator
- 2025 Summary Rating of Health Plan Quality
- 2025 Summary Rating of Prescription Drug Plan Quality
2024 plan year (8)
- 2024 Retail Drug Price Details
- 2024 Medicare Advantage Plans
- 2024 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- 2024 Medicare Part D Information
- 2024 Medicare Part D Plan - Quick Search
- 2024 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans: Overview by CMS
- 2024 PDP-Planner - Medicare Part D - Donut Hole Calculator
- 2024 Summary Rating of Health Plan Quality
2023 plan year (8)
- 2023 Retail Drug Price Details
- 2023 in Plan Benefits Details
- 2023 Medicare Advantage Plans
- 2023 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- 2023 Medicare Part D Information
- 2023 Medicare Part D Plan - Quick Search
- 2023 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans: Overview by CMS
- 2023 PDP-Planner - Medicare Part D - Donut Hole Calculator
2022 plan year (13)
- 2022 Retail Drug Price Details
- 2022 in Star Rating Details
- 2022 Medicare Advantage Plans
- 2022 Medicare Part A and Part B Premium & Deductible
- 2022 Medicare Part D Information
- 2022 Medicare Part D Plan - Quick Search
- 2022 Star Ratings Explained - Drug Plan Customer Service DD1
- 2022 Star Ratings Explained - Drug Safety and Accuracy of Drug Pricing DD4
- 2022 Star Ratings Explained - Health Plan Customer Service HD5
- 2022 Star Ratings Explained - Member Complaints and Changes in the Health Plan’s Performance HD4
- 2022 Star Ratings Explained - Staying Healthy: Screenings, Tests and Vaccines HD1
- 2022 Summary Rating of Health Plan Quality
- 2022 Summary Rating of Prescription Drug Plan Quality