How to Enroll in Medicare Part D
If you have Original Medicare (Parts A & B) plus a Medicare Supplement plan such as Plan G, you will need a separate Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.
Step 1: Go to Medicare.gov
Visit the official Medicare Plan Finder:
https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/
Step 2: Enter Your ZIP Code
Enter your home ZIP code to see the Part D plans available in your area.
You can sign into your Medicare account or continue without logging in.
Step 3: Choose a Medicare Drug Plan (Part D)
Select the option to compare Medicare Part D drug plans.
You are looking for a stand-alone Part D plan, since your Medicare Supplement plan handles your supplemental medical coverage.
Step 4: Enter Your Medications
Enter each prescription you currently take, including:
- Medication name
- Dosage
- Quantity
- How often you take it
Important: If you want a specific brand-name medication instead of the generic version, make sure you enter the brand-name medication.
Step 5: Choose Your Pharmacy
Select the pharmacy you normally use.
You can also add another nearby pharmacy to see if your prescriptions would cost less there.
Step 6: Compare Your Plans
Medicare will show you the Part D plans available in your area.
Compare:
- Monthly premium
- Drug deductible
- Cost of your medications
- Whether all your medications are covered
- Whether your pharmacy is preferred or in-network
- Estimated total yearly cost
The total yearly cost is usually more important than simply choosing the plan with the lowest monthly premium.
A Helpful Tip If You Take Few Medications
If you don’t take many medications or your prescriptions are inexpensive, it may make sense to choose a lower-cost Part D plan rather than paying a higher monthly premium for drug benefits you aren’t currently using.
You aren’t necessarily choosing your Part D plan forever. You can review and change your Part D plan each year during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15–December 7) if your medications or needs change.
That’s why it’s a good idea to review your Part D coverage every year.
Step 7: Select Your Plan
Once you’ve found the plan that works best for your medications, pharmacy, and overall cost, review the details one more time.
Make sure your medications are covered before enrolling.
Step 8: Enroll
Click “Enroll” next to the plan you want and follow the instructions.
Have your Medicare card available because you’ll need information such as your:
- Medicare number
- Medicare Part A effective date
- Medicare Part B effective date
Step 9: Save Your Confirmation
Once you complete your enrollment, save or print your confirmation for your records.
Your Part D insurance company will then send you information about your new prescription drug coverage.
Your Medicare Coverage Will Work Together Like This:
Medicare Part A + Medicare Part B + Medicare Supplement (such as Plan G) + Medicare Part D
Your Medicare Supplement helps with medical expenses not fully paid by Original Medicare, while your Part D plan covers prescription medications.