Medicare Part D is a great option for beneficiaries who are enrolled in Original Medicare and do NOT have prescription drug coverage from another source, such as an employer or union. Unless you have creditable drug coverage when enrolling in Original Medicare, it is advisable to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan. Delaying enrollment in Medicare Part D may result in late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage for your prescription drugs.

It's important to note that even with a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D), some higher-cost drugs may not be fully covered. This is because each plan has a formulary, which is a list of covered drugs, and drugs not included on this list may require higher out-of-pocket costs or may not be covered at all. For individuals with limited income and resources, programs like Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), also known as Extra Help, can help beneficiaries afford their prescription drug costs by providing assistance with premiums, deductibles, and copayments associated with Medicare Part D plans. You can apply for Extra Help online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone