Are Prescription Drugs Covered by Medicare?
One of the most common and costly Medicare misunderstandings is prescription drug coverage.
Many people assume:
“If I have Medicare, my prescriptions are covered.”
Unfortunately, that’s not always true.
Whether your medications are covered—and how much you pay—depends on how your Medicare is set up. This guide explains how prescription drug coverage works under Medicare, what’s covered, what’s not, and how to avoid penalties and surprise costs.
The Short Answer: Medicare Does NOT Automatically Cover Prescriptions
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not include routine prescription drug coverage.
To have prescription coverage, you must:
Enroll in a Medicare Part D plan, or
Choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage
Missing this step is one of the most expensive Medicare mistakes.
What Is Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
It helps cover:
Generic medications
Brand-name drugs
Certain specialty medications
Each Part D plan has:
Its own list of covered drugs (formulary)
Different copays and tiers
Preferred pharmacies
👉 Not all plans cover the same medications.
📞 Not sure if your medications are covered?
Call Medicare Plan Assistance at (561) 808-9410 to review your prescriptions before enrolling.
When Are Prescription Drugs Covered by Medicare Part A or B?
In limited situations, Medicare Part A or Part B may cover certain medications, such as:
Drugs given during a hospital stay
Medications administered in a doctor’s office
Certain injectable or infused drugs
Some cancer treatments and immunosuppressants
However, daily medications you take at home are usually not covered unless you have Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.
Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Prescriptions?
Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include prescription drug coverage, often referred to as MAPD plans.
These plans typically bundle:
Hospital coverage (Part A)
Medical coverage (Part B)
Prescription drugs (Part D)
Extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing
But coverage varies by:
Insurance company
County
Drug list
Pharmacy network
📞 Thinking about Medicare Advantage with drug coverage?
Call (561) 808-9410 to check which plans cover your medications and doctors.
What Happens If You Don’t Enroll in Prescription Coverage?
If you don’t enroll in prescription drug coverage when you’re first eligible—and you don’t have other qualifying coverage—you may face:
❗ A Lifetime Late Enrollment Penalty
Added to your monthly Part D premium
Increases the longer you go without coverage
Usually lasts for life
Even if you rarely take medications, skipping coverage can cost you long-term.
Why Prescription Drug Costs Vary So Much Under Medicare
Drug costs depend on:
Which plan you choose
Whether your drugs are generic or brand-name
The plan’s formulary tier
Pharmacy network
Coverage stages throughout the year
Two people taking the same medication can pay very different amounts depending on their plan.
Common Prescription Drug Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Assuming Medicare automatically covers prescriptions
❌ Choosing a plan without checking medications
❌ Using out-of-network pharmacies
❌ Skipping coverage because medications are “cheap now”
❌ Not reviewing plans annually
These mistakes often lead to higher costs later.
How Medicare Plan Assistance Helps With Prescription Coverage
Medicare Plan Assistance can help you:
Check if your medications are covered
Compare Part D and Medicare Advantage drug plans
Estimate annual prescription costs
Avoid late enrollment penalties
Adjust coverage as medications change
This ensures your coverage fits your current and future needs.
📞 Want to confirm your prescription coverage?
Call Medicare Plan Assistance at (561) 808-9410 to review your medications and plan options.
Final Thoughts
Prescription drug coverage under Medicare is not automatic, and choosing the wrong plan can be costly.
Before enrolling—or if you’re already on Medicare—it’s important to confirm:
That you have drug coverage
That your medications are included
That your costs are as low as possible
Getting clarity now can save you stress, time, and money later.
Get Help With Medicare Prescription Coverage Today
If you’re unsure whether your prescriptions are covered—or want to make sure you’re in the right plan—Medicare Plan Assistance is here to help.
📞 Call (561) 808-9410 today to review your prescription coverage and ensure you’re set up correctly.