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Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) in California
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California
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Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. Beneficiaries may obtain Part D prescription drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan or a standalone Prescription Drug Plan. Part D plans are offered by private health insurance companies which are approved by the federal government.
There are 58 counties in California. Medicare Prescription Drug plan monthly premiums, plan benefits, and insurance companies offering plans can vary by county in California.
Insurance Companies Offering Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Medicare Prescription Drug plans are known as Medicare Part D and provide stand-alone prescription drug coverage to Medicare enrollees. Part D plans can be added to Medicare medical coverage, including Original Medicare or Medicare Supplement insurance plans. In addition, many Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage embedded in the plan and in this case you would not need a separate prescription drug plan. Part D Prescription Drug plans are offered by private health insurance companies, which are approved by the government.
Prescription Drug plans have a monthly premium cost, which is set by the insurance company offering the plan. Many plans have low or $0 monthly premiums.
Usually, the majority of Medicare Advantage plans include Part D Prescription Drug coverage. You can enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan with certain types of Medicare Advantage plans that do not include Part D coverage (like a Medical Savings Account and some Private Fee-for-Service plans).
Each Prescription Drug Plan covers different prescription drugs. Private insurance companies offering plans define a drug formulary for each plan, which defines which drugs are covered by each plan. Before enrolling in a Part D Prescription Drug plan, we recommend checking the drug formulary online or speaking with a licensed insurance agent to make sure your prescription drug needs are covered.
See our guide for Medicare Prescription Drug Plans to learn more.