Review Your Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
A useful drug-plan review starts with your prescriptions, preferred pharmacy and current coverage. Monthly premiums are only one part of the comparison. Check the drugs a plan covers, its coverage rules and the costs that apply to your situation before making an enrollment decision.
What Medicare Part D Covers
Part D is optional Medicare prescription drug coverage offered by Medicare-approved private companies. You may get it through a separate drug plan with Original Medicare or through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. Not every Medicare Advantage plan includes it. Adding a separate drug plan can affect some Medicare Advantage coverage, so check your current plan before enrolling.
Formularies, Tiers and Pharmacies
A formulary is a plan’s list of covered drugs. Plans can use different tiers, costs and coverage rules. Check each medication’s name and strength, the pharmacy you use, and any prior-authorization or other requirements. Do not assume that a lower premium or mail-order option will always mean a lower total cost. Your plan can explain how its rules apply to your prescriptions.
Enrollment Timing and Creditable Coverage
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. Other enrollment periods may apply. If you are eligible and go 63 days or more without Medicare drug coverage or other creditable prescription drug coverage, a late-enrollment penalty may apply. Employer, union or other coverage may be creditable. Confirm that status before dropping coverage or joining a new plan.
Out-of-Pocket Costs Depend on the Coverage Year
For 2026, the annual out-of-pocket limit is $2,100 for Part D-covered drugs. Medicare lists a $2,400 limit for 2027. Premiums and drugs your plan does not cover are not included in this covered-drug limit. Review the plan’s current documents and Medicare.gov’s drug-cost information for the year you are considering.
Prepare for an Annual Review
Read your plan’s Annual Notice of Change and review next year’s drug list, pharmacy network and costs. An OG Insurance HQ agent can discuss the options the agency offers and the applicable enrollment requirements. You can compare Medicare options directly at Medicare.gov or ask your State Health Insurance Assistance Program for help.
Request a Conversation
Use the Part D review form to share your service state, ZIP, current coverage and pharmacy. Your prescription list is optional and can be discussed by phone instead. Do not enter Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, payment information, diagnoses or medical records. This inquiry does not enroll you in a plan or change your current coverage.
Information checked October 12, 2026 against Medicare.gov and CMS resources. Coverage, costs and enrollment rules depend on the plan and your circumstances.