Q1Group 2019 PDP Analysis: More stand-alone 2019 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 2019 Medicare Part D prescription drug plan choices.

In 2019, an average of 26 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans will be offered in each state or CMS PDP region, an increase from the 2018 average number of 23 stand-alone PDPs. 

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 2019 Medicare Part D plan choices?

In 2019, residents of California. Pennsylvania and West Virginia will have 30 stand-alone Medicare Part D plan options.   In 2018, residents of Pennsylvania, and West Virginia had the most stand-alone Medicare Part D plan choices with 26 plans offered. 

• The Lows -- Which state will have the fewest stand-alone 2019 Medicare Part D plan choices?

As was true in past years,  Alaska Medicare beneficiaries will again have the smallest selection of 2019 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans with 22 PDP choices - an increase from 19 PDPs in 2018.

• Largest Changes -- Which states will have the greatest increase in stand-alone 2019 Medicare Part D plan choices?

Florida will see the largest increase of stand-alone Medicare Part D plans in 2019, gaining six (6) Medicare Part D PDP choices. 

For more information, a detailed overview of the 2019 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 2019 Medicare Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans begins on October 15^th and continues through December 7^th, with 2019 Medicare plan coverage beginning on January 1, 2019.

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 2019 Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plan options.

A note about 2019 Medicare Advantage plans

The 2019 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 2019 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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