The standard or model 2016 Medicare Part D plan includes a $360 initial deductible (as compared to the standard $320 initial deductible in 2015 Medicare Part D plans) and most 2016 Medicare Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs) will have an initial deductible - ranging from $200 to $360.

In fact, according to our calculations, only a third (33%) of all 2016 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans will offer a $0 initial deductible.  As an example, of the 27 plans available in Ohio, only 9 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans will have a $0 initial deductible in 2016.  See our PDP-Facts.com/2016 for Medicare Part D premium information for your state.


One interesting note is that some stand-alone 2016 Medicare Part D plans having an initial deductible will exclude some of their formulary tiers from the initial deductible (and provide immediate coverage).   For example, the 2016 Humana Walmart Rx Plan will have a $360 initial deductible, but Tier 1 and Tier 2 medications are excluded from the $360 deductible.

This means that, if you were still within your $360 initial deductible and purchase a medication such as Atorvastatin Calcium (generic Lipitor (r)), you would not pay full retail price, but would instead be charged $4 for this Tier 2 generic medication when purchased at a preferred network pharmacy (such as a Walmart pharmacy) (and you would pay $0 when a 90-day supply is purchased through the Medicare plan's mail-order program).

Reminder: Your Medicare plan costs and coverage can (and probably will) change each year.
If you are interested in changing your Medicare plan enrollment, the annual Open Enrollment Period (or Annual Election Period) for Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D drug plans begins on October 15 and continues through December 7, 2015.

Not sure where to begin?
If you or another Medicare beneficiary needs assistance understanding how your 2015 Medicare plan is changing or to learn more about your 2016 Medicare plan coverage options, please call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and speak with a Medicare representative.