There are two ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage.
- Join a Medicare prescription drug plan
- Join a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Health Plan that offers drug coverage
Like other insurance, generally you will pay a monthly premium (which varies by plan) and a yearly deductible. You will also pay a part of the cost of your prescriptions, called a copayment or coinsurance.
Your costs will vary depending on which drug plan you choose, for example, some plans offer more coverage and additional drugs but they charge a higher monthly premium.
If You Need Extra Help Paying for Prescription Drugs
If you have limited income and resources, and you qualify for extra help, you may not have to pay a premium or deductible. You can apply for additional help or get more information about the extra help by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or checking out Help With Prescription Drug Costs on the Social Security site.
