Q1Group 2017 PDP Analysis: Fewer stand-alone 2017 Medicare Part D prescription drug plan choices

According to the recently released Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Part D landscape data, most Medicare beneficiaries across the country will have fewer stand-alone 2017 Medicare Part D prescription drug plan choices.

Continuing the decline of stand-alone Medicare Part D plan choices over the past few years, there will also be fewer 2017 stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) choices.

In 2017, an average of 22 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans will be offered in each state, a drop from the 2016 average number of 26 stand-alone PDPs offered across the country. Our calculation of the 2017 average number of PDPs includes stand-alone Medicare Part D plans that are currently sanctioned by CMS and not offering enrollment.

In comparison to past years, there were an average of 34 stand-alone 2014 Medicare Part D plans (not including Medicare Advantage plans), 31 stand-alone 2013 Medicare Part D plans, and, back in 2009 - an average of 49 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans offered in each CMS PDP region (see chart below).

The Highs -- Which states will have the most stand-alone 2017 Medicare Part D plan choices?

In 2017, 24 stand-alone Medicare Part D plan options will be available to residents of Alabama, California, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Pennsylvania and West Virginia had the largest selection of 2016 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans offering Medicare beneficiaries 29 PDP choices.

The Lows - - Which state will have the fewest stand-alone 2017 Medicare Part D plan choices?

As was true in 2015 and 2016, Alaska Medicare beneficiaries will again have the smallest selection of 2017 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans with 18 PDP choices - down from 19 PDPs in 2016).

Largest Changes -- Which state will have the greatest loss in stand-alone 2017 Medicare Part D plan choices?

South Carolina, will see the largest decrease of stand-alone Medicare Part D plans in 2017, losing 6 Medicare Part D PDP choices. In 2016, South Carolina offered 27 Medicare Part D plans and in 2017 there will be 21 Medicare Part D plan choices.

For more information, a detailed overview of the 2017 stand-alone Medicare Part D landscape data can be found in the on this site PDP-Facts section with Part D plan summaries on a national and state level.

Please note that we will continue to update the Medicare Part D plan coverage details throughout the year as more information becomes available.

Reminder: No need to rush.

Medicare Part D plan carriers can start marketing their plans on October 1^st and the annual Medicare Part D annual Open Enrollment Period for 2017 Medicare Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans begins on October 15^th and continues through December 7^th, with 2017 Medicare plan coverage beginning on January 1, 2017.

For more information, starting October 1^st, Medicare beneficiaries can telephone Medicare at 1-800-633-4227, speak with a Medicare representative, and learn more about their 2017 Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plan options.

A note about 2017 Medicare Advantage plans

The 2017 Medicare Advantage plan landscape summary will be presented separately in another article. The above information is from our Medicare Part D plan landscape summaries and based only on stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans (or PDPs).

A number of the 2017 Medicare Advantage plans may be available in your area and may include comprehensive Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, along with Medicare Part A (hospitalization), Medicare Part B (out-patient and physician), and additional healthcare benefits (these Medicare plans are also called MAPD plans).

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