What is a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan?

A Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan is a private insurance plan that provides coverage for prescription drugs. Prescription drug plans are also known as Medicare Part D, and are offered by medicare-approved private insurers. Medicare Part D is voluntary, and seniors wanting coverage for the high cost of prescription drugs pay a separate premium for coverage. Each plan has its own "formulary" which specifies the drug types that the plan covers.

In original Medicare, prescription drug costs are not covered. To get prescription drug coverage, you can either join a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, or choose a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes prescription drug coverage. If your existing Medicare Advantage Plan doesn't include prescription drug coverage, you can usually add it on as an option, but if not, you can choose also choose separate Part D plan.

Anthem offers Virginia prescription drug benefits with three prescription drug plans (Anthem Blue plans).