Original Medicare Doesn’t Cover Prescriptions purchased at a retail pharmacy.

In order to obtain Prescription Drug Coverage from a pharmacy, a Medicare beneficiary needs to enroll in a Part D Drug Plan.

But first, Medicare beneficiaries need to enroll in Medicare A and or Medicare B. Then they can choose one of two ways to get their drug coverage from private insurance companies. The first way is by enrolling in a separate Drug plan with Original Medicare. The second way is by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan with Drug coverage included. These plans are called MAPD plans.

It’s important to know that enrolling in the Medicare Drug program is not mandatory. However, obtaining Medicare Drug coverage will reduce your costs purchasing prescriptions at a pharmacy.

People with lower income and resources can get help paying for their prescriptions. The program helps pay for premiums, copays, coinsurance and other costs. There are established limits for income and resources which will determine if they qualify for their state Medicare program called Extra Help.

It’s important to know that there are multiple stand alone Medicare drug plans and Medicare Advantage Plans with Drug Coverage offered in each area. Working with a licensed and highly trained heath insurance agent can help you compare, find and enroll in the plan with the lowest estimated annual costs.