# Medicare Part D

Standalone prescription drug coverage, or included in many Medicare Advantage (MA-PD) plans.

The coverage gap ("donut hole") ended January 1, 2025. There is a deductible, initial coverage, then an annual out-of-pocket cap. The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan spreads pharmacy costs across monthly payments; it does not reduce the total owed.

Going without creditable drug coverage at first eligibility can trigger a permanent late-enrollment penalty. Plan changes are generally limited to IEP, Annual Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7), or a Special Enrollment Period.