Medicare is a government program that helps pay for medical care. It is for people who are over 64 or have a disability. If you qualify for Medicare, it can help you pay for prescription drugs too. Medicare drug coverage is optional and offered to everyone with Medicare. To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a Medicare-approved plan that offers it. Check Medicare.gov to find out which plans cover your medications.
Compare the costs for drugs in different plans. If you already have an insurance plan with drug coverage, check which plan is best for you.
Note: If your income is low (your employer/s did not pay you enough) you might qualify for the "Extra Help" program that covers more or all of the drug costs with Medicare. After you sign up for a Medicare Prescription Drug plan, learn more about Extra Help. If you have Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicare and Medicaid you automatically get the extra help.
Last Reviewed: September 3, 2024