Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?
Yes — Medicare covers most prescription drugs through Part D, which you get either by joining a stand-alone Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, or by choosing a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. Part D plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare.
What it means
- Part D covers most outpatient prescription drugs and is offered by private insurers.
- Each Part D plan has its own formulary (list of covered drugs), pharmacy network, and cost-sharing.
- Part B — not Part D — covers certain drugs administered in a doctor's office, like some infusions and injections.
Action steps
- Make a list of your current medications, including dose and pharmacy.
- Use the Medicare Plan Finder to see which plans cover your specific drugs at the best cost.
Risks & deadlines
- Waiting to join Part D without creditable coverage triggers a lifetime late enrollment penalty.
Source:
Last verified: 2026-07-18
- We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
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