Q1Group 2018 PDP Analysis: More stand-alone 2018 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 more stand-alone 2018 Medicare Part D prescription drug plan choices.

In 2018, an average of 23 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans will be offered in each state or CMS PDP region, an increase from the 2017 average number of 22 stand-alone PDPs.  Note: Our calculation of the 2018 average number of PDPs includes the two stand-alone Medicare Part D plans that CMS is not permitting to enroll new members in 2018. 

When comparing with past years, there were an average of 34 stand-alone 2014 Medicare Part D plans, 31 stand-alone 2013 Medicare Part D plans, and, back in  2009 - an average of 49 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans offered (see chart below).

• The Highs -- Which states will have the most stand-alone 2018 Medicare Part D plan choices?

In 2018, residents of Pennsylvania and West Virginia will have 26 stand-alone Medicare Part D plan options.   In 2017, residents of Alabama, California, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin had the most stand-alone Medicare Part D plan choices with 24 plans offered.  And in 2016, Pennsylvania and West Virginia had the largest selection of PDP plans offered with 29 PDP choices.

• The Lows -- Which state will have the fewest stand-alone 2018 Medicare Part D plan choices?

As was true in past years,  Alaska Medicare beneficiaries will again have the smallest selection of 2018 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans with 19 PDP choices - an increase from 18 PDPs in 2017.

• Largest Changes -- Which states will have the greatest increase in stand-alone 2018 Medicare Part D plan choices?

Pennsylvania, North Carolina and West Virginia will see the largest increase of stand-alone Medicare Part D plans in 2018, gaining two (2) Medicare Part D PDP choices.  All other states will increase by one (1) PDP plan choice.


For more information, a detailed overview of the 2018 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.

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 2018 Medicare Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans begins on October 15^th and continues through December 7^th, with 2018 Medicare plan coverage beginning on January 1, 2018.

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 2018 Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plan options.

A note about 2018 Medicare Advantage plans

The 2018 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 2018 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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