Unlike private health insurance plans, Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) does not cover prescription drugs. Medicare Part D was established in 2003 to provide prescription coverage for Medicare enrollees and requires buying a private prescription plan.

There are a few avenues for obtaining prescription coverage once you’re eligible for Medicare, which is typically age 65 (or younger if you meet disability qualifications). The options are:

• A stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, which can be used in tandem with Original Medicare

• A Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D prescription drug coverage (these Medicare Advantage plans are known as MAPDs). The majority of Medicare Advantage plans are MAPDs.
• Supplemental coverage from Medicaid (the coverage will be via Part D) or your employer or a spouse’s employer (including retiree coverage that’s considered comparable to Part D coverage).

Ashford Insurance can help you get the prescription coverage you need.