When you’re choosing a Medicare plan, prescription drug coverage is likely near the top of your list. One option is a Medicare Advantage plan, which typically combines medical and prescription drug coverage into one plan. Another option is a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) to work alongside Original Medicare.
Most Medicare Advantage plans (also called Medicare Part C) include Part D prescription drug coverage alongside medical coverage. These plans conveniently combine all your Medicare benefits into one easy-to-manage plan. A Medicare Advantage plan may be the right choice for you if you want the ease of:
- All your Medicare benefits, perks and extras together under one plan
- One member ID card and one member ID number
- One number to call for any questions you have about your plan
Stand-alone prescription drug plans (PDPs) exclusively provide Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. They complement medical benefits you get through Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement plans or Medicare Cost plans.
PDPs are administered separately from other Medicare plans. That means you might have multiple ID cards and member numbers to keep track of.
You’re not required to have Part D coverage. But keep in mind that if you enroll in Part D after your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), you may have a late-enrollment penalty. This penalty is added to your Part D premium and usually lasts for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage.
However, you won’t be charged a late-enrollment penalty if:
- You have other creditable prescription drug coverage, such as from an employer or union, before you enroll in Part D; or
- You get support from the Medicare Extra Help program
Last updated October 2026
Y0095_005698_M Accepted 09/26/26
H2422_005698_M Accepted 09/26/26
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