Can You Enroll? The Top Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Questions Answered

Do you need Medicare prescription drug coverage? If you're not sure whether you qualify for or should enroll in this option, take look at the top Medicare D questions answered.

Who Can Enroll in Medicare Part D?

Simply stated—if you qualify for Medicare, you qualify for part D. More specifically, you can enroll in this type of prescription drug coverage if:

• You meet the age requirement. You become eligible for Medicare coverage when you turn 65.
• You have a disability. Some people with disabilities are eligible for this insurance coverage before they reach this age. This rule does not apply to everyone. Only some disabilities qualify for this exception.
• You have end-stage renal disease. People under age 65 with end-stage renal disease may also qualify for Medicare insurance.

Along with these qualifications, you must enroll in Medicare Part A to qualify for Part D (prescription drug coverage). If you have an existing non-Medicare plan and also enroll in Medicare Part A, you can qualify for Part D. Before you elect part D, make sure your existing policy allows this coverage. Some employer or union-based policies won't allow you to keep both types of insurance.

Why Choose Part D Coverage?

Prescription coverage isn't a required part of a Medicare insurance plan. Instead, it's an optional add-on that many people choose. Common reasons to select Medicare Part D include:

• The price of prescription drugs. Can you afford to pay out-of-pocket for your prescriptions? According to a 2019 National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) brief, 70 percent of prescription drugs had out-of-pocket costs. 
• The type of prescription drugs. While some drugs come in generic options or have low costs, others may come with a high price tag. Medicare Part D can help you to afford some brand-name or excessively expensive drugs.
• The quantity of prescription drugs. Do you take several different types of medications? The more meds you're on, the higher the price you'll pay. Medicare prescription drug coverage can help you to off-set the cost of multiple prescriptions.
• The type of insurance you have. Does your existing coverage come with a prescription drug policy? If you have no drug coverage and you qualify for Medicare Part A, Part D will pay for some or all of your medication-related costs.

Whether you didn't choose Part D, or you don't like the original plan you picked, you can make changes to your Medicare prescription coverage during the annual open enrollment period. This is the only time you can join a new plan or switch coverage.