Our this site analysis of the stand-alone 2021 Medicare Part D plan data supports the CMS press release, finding the total number of stand-alone 2021 Medicare Part D plans will increase to 996 plans offered across the country as compared to 948 plans offered in 2020. In addition, our analysis shows the average number of stand-alone 2021 Medicare Part D plans per state will increase to 29 plans - as compared to the 2020 national average of 28 stand-alone PDPs per state.
Below is a chart showing how the average number of stand-alone Medicare Part D plans per state has changed since 2007 (and compares the changes to the total number of Medicare Part D PDPs offered across the country).
Stand-alone Medicare Part D plans gained and lost
Texas will have the largest increase in stand-alone PDPs with five (5) additional plan choices in 2021. And although most other states will gain one to four (4) additional 2021 PDPs, seven states will have no change, and eight states will have one less PDP option in 2021.Availability of Medicare Part D plans: The Lows and Highs
As was true in past years, Alaska Medicare beneficiaries will again have the smallest selection of 2021 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans with 25 plan options - an increase over the 24 PDP choices offered in 2020.
As noted above, Texas will offer the widest selection - 35 stand-alone 2021 Medicare Part D plans - an increase over the 30 PDP options in 2020.
For more information, a detailed overview of the 2021 stand-alone Medicare Part D landscape data can be found at PDP-Facts.com or in the on this site PDP-Facts section with Part D plan summaries on a national and state level.
A note about Medicare Advantage plans
The above information is from our Medicare Part D plan landscape summaries and based only on stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs) and does not include Medicare Advantage plan (MAPD) data.
However, a number of the 2021 Medicare Advantage plans may be available in your area and can include comprehensive Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, along with Medicare Part A (hospitalization), Medicare Part B (out-patient and physician), and additional healthcare - and non-health related - benefits (these Medicare plans are also called MAPD plans). You can use https://MA-Finder.com/2021 to review Medicare Advantage plans.
Reminder: No need to rush.
Medicare Part D plan carriers can start marketing their plans on October 1st, however the annual Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans does not begin until October 15th and continues through December 7th. During the AEP, you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Part D plan. Your 2021 Medicare plan coverage will begin on January 1st.
For more information, starting October 1st, Medicare beneficiaries can telephone Medicare at 1-800-633-4227, speak with a Medicare representative, and learn more about their 2021 Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plan options.
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