Part D drug plans, checked against your prescriptions.
Every plan covers drugs differently. We compare plans by what you would actually pay for your medications over the year.
Checked drug by drug
Each plan has its own formulary, tiers and rules. Your exact medications decide which plan is best.
Preferred prices
Many plans charge less at preferred pharmacies, so where you fill your prescriptions matters.
Enroll on time
Going 63 days or more without creditable drug coverage after you’re first eligible can add a lifelong penalty.
Review each year
Formularies and prices can change every January, so it pays to review your plan each Annual Enrollment Period.
Medicare Part D helps pay for prescription drugs. You can get it through a stand-alone drug plan alongside Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement, or as part of most Medicare Advantage plans.
How Part D plans differ
Plans are offered by private insurance companies and each one sets its own list of covered drugs, called a formulary. Drugs are placed on tiers, and the tier decides your copay or coinsurance. Two plans with similar premiums can cost very different amounts once your prescriptions are added in.
- Premium: the monthly cost of the plan.
- Deductible: what you pay before the plan starts sharing costs.
- Copays and coinsurance: what you pay for each prescription after the deductible.
- Pharmacy network: preferred pharmacies often offer lower prices.
The yearly out-of-pocket cap
Since 2025, Part D includes a yearly cap on what you pay out of pocket for covered drugs. Once you reach it, you pay nothing more for covered drugs for the rest of the year.
Avoiding the late enrollment penalty
If you go 63 days or more in a row without Part D or other creditable drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period ends, a penalty may be added to your premium for as long as you have Part D. Even if you take few medications today, it is worth planning for this.
Higher incomes
If your income is above a certain level, you may pay an extra amount for Part D, known as IRMAA. Use our 2026 IRMAA calculator to estimate yours, or read What is Medicare Part D?
Finding the right drug plan
- Every prescription checked against each plan’s formulary
- Your yearly cost estimated, not just the premium
- Your preferred pharmacy confirmed
- Late enrollment penalties avoided
- A new comparison every fall before enrollment closes
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Part D if I don’t take any medications?
It is often worth having a low-cost plan. If you go without creditable drug coverage for 63 days or more after you’re first eligible, a late enrollment penalty may be added for as long as you have Part D.
What is a formulary?
A formulary is a plan’s list of covered drugs. Drugs are grouped into tiers, and the tier determines how much you pay.
Can I change my Part D plan?
Yes. You can change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7, with the new plan starting January 1. Some life events also allow changes during the year.
Does income affect what I pay for Part D?
It can. Higher earners pay an extra amount called IRMAA on top of the plan premium. Our IRMAA calculator gives you an estimate.
Make sure your medications are covered.
Send us your list and we’ll compare drug plans by your real yearly cost, not just the premium.