Medicare Part D

News and information about Medicare Part D

The Medicare program, which is a federal program that helps senior citizens and certain other individuals pay for health care, is divided into four parts. Part A covers hospital and inpatient services and Part B covers doctor visits and other outpatient services. Together, Parts A and B are referred to as original Medicare. Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, makes Medicare-covered services available through private health plans, such as HMOs, PPOs, and private fee for service plans (PFFSs). Part D was created under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (2003 Medicare Act) to cover the costs of prescription drugs. Prescription drug coverage is offered by private companies through stand-alone plans (for members who have original Medicare) and through HMOs, PPOs, and PFFSs (for beneficiaries who have Medicare Advantage). Anyone who has original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is eligible to enroll in Part D. Enrollment in Part D is voluntary.

General Information
Information about Medicare Part D

Prescription Coverage
Your Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Options

Extra Help
For people with limited income and resources

Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions about Medicare Part D