Are you nearing Medicare eligibility? It can be challenging to know how comprehensive your health care coverage needs to be. One thing you may be wondering about is, “Will Medicare cover my prescription medications?”

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover the cost of prescription drugs. Those are covered by Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). Part D coverage can be purchased as a standalone plan, or as part of a Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan.

Do I need to enroll in a Part D plan?

It’s not mandatory to join a Medicare Part D plan. But enrolling in a Part D plan is important if you rely on prescription medications to support your health and well-being—or if it’s likely you will in the future.

“Without Part D coverage, the cost of medications can quickly become overwhelming for most older adults, especially since our health care needs can change as we get older,” said Jen Teague, NCOA Director for Health Coverage and Benefits. “A Part D plan helps protect you from the potentially high costs of current and future prescriptions, so you can get the medications you need at an affordable price.”

Like original Medicare, Part D is not free; there are out-of-pocket costs to consider. Learn more about Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs for 2025.

When can I enroll in a Medicare Part D plan?

Just like with Medicare Parts A and B, you can enroll in a Part D plan during your Initial Enrollment Period. This timeframe begins three months before you turn 65, includes your birth month, and ends three months after you turn 65. If you miss this window, you can also enroll during the Open Enrollment Period, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year (with coverage starting on January 1 of the following year).

Additionally, if you have a qualifying life event, such as moving out of your plan’s service area, losing other creditable prescription drug coverage, or moving into a nursing home, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to join or change your Part D plan.

How do I enroll in a Medicare Part D plan?

First, take the time to compare different Part D plans using Medicare's online plan finder tool. Once you've chosen a plan that fits your health needs and budget, you can enroll:

• Online at Medicare.gov
• Directly on the insurance provider's website
• By calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or by calling the insurance company directly
• By completing a paper application and mailing it to the insurance company

What happens if I don’t enroll in a Part D plan during designated enrollment periods?

If you delay enrolling in Part D, you could face a lifetime late enrollment penalty when you eventually sign up for a Part D plan. This penalty only applies if you didn't have other creditable drug coverage and you don't qualify for Medicare Extra Help. The penalty is added on to your monthly Part D premium, and it typically lasts for as long as you have drug coverage through Medicare. The amount is based on the length of time you were without prescription drug coverage.

Can I delay enrollment in Part D and keep my current drug coverage?

Yes, you can delay enrollment in Medicare Part D and keep your current drug coverage if your existing coverage is considered "creditable." This means it’s as good as or better than Medicare's standard prescription drug coverage.

Creditable coverage can include employer-sponsored plans, union health plans, Veterans Affairs (VA) health insurance, or certain other types of health insurance. Check with your current insurance provider to confirm whether your drug coverage is creditable.

Can I enroll in Part C/Medicare Advantage instead of Part D to get drug coverage?
 

Medicare Advantage plans are private health plans that have contracts with Medicare. These plans must cover all the same benefits as Medicare Parts A and B, and most also cover prescription drugs. Enrolling in a Part C plan that covers prescription drugs can replace the need to enroll in a Part D plan.

I have questions about Medicare enrollment—who can I talk to?

If you have questions about Part D or other parts of Medicare, we’re here to help. Get access to free professional advice (from NCOA’s trusted broker partners) to help you find the right Medicare plan for your needs and budget. NCOA only works with brokers that meet our Medicare Standards of Excellence. Learn what these standards mean for you as a consumer.

Then, contact one of our partners to get started. They’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you choose a plan that works for you.