Click for 2009 Part D – Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage info
 

Medicare offers prescription drug coverage for everyone with Medicare. This coverage is called "Part D".

• To get Medicare drug coverage, you must either join a Medicare drug plan adding on to your Original Medicare Plan, or join a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes Part D.
   
• Medicare drug plans are run by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.
   
• Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered.
   
• If you decide not to join a Medicare drug plan when you are first eligible, you may pay a late-enrollment penalty if you choose to join late.
   
• If you qualify for extra help and don't choose a plan yourself, Medicare will enroll you in one.

All Medicare drug plans must generally cover at least two drugs in each category of drugs, but plans can choose which specific drugs are covered in each category. Plans are required to cover almost all drugs in six classes that include anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, immunosuppressants, cancer, and HIV/AIDS drugs.

There are certain drugs that Medicare drug plans aren't required to cover, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, drugs for weight loss or gain, and drugs for erectile dysfunction. Some plans may choose to cover these drugs as an added benefit. In addition, drug plans generally aren't allowed to cover over-the-counter drugs. Some states may cover these drugs if you have Medicaid.

Plans may also exclude certain drugs from coverage. Although your Medicare drug plan may not have a certain drug on its list of covered drugs (formulary), a different drug that is safe and effective for the same purpose will be covered. This may be a generic version of the drug, or it may be another brand-name drug that may provide the same benefit as the drug that isn't on the plan's formulary. All plans must have a process for you to ask them to pay for a drug you need that isn't on their formulary. They may or may not agree to cover the drug.