Prescription Coverage Basics
Prescription coverage (referred to as Part D) is only offered through private companies like Health Alliance that have a contract with Medicare. If you take prescription drugs regularly, you may want prescription coverage to help pay for your drug costs.
Two Ways You Can Get Prescription Coverage
1. You can purchase a stand-alone prescription drug plan that just covers prescription drugs.
If you just have Original Medicare, this option may work for you. A stand-alone prescription drug plan will provide coverage for your prescriptions while you continue to get your medical coverage through Original Medicare.
If you have Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan, you also may choose this option. Again, a stand-alone prescription drug plan will provide coverage for your prescriptions while you continue to get your medical coverage through Original Medicare and your Medicare Supplement plan.
Show me Health Alliance Medicare Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans
2. You can purchase a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.
If you prefer to have one plan for both your medical and prescription coverage, you might choose this option. Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare, cover many services and often offer extra programs to help you save money and be healthy.
Tips for Choosing Drug Coverage
When searching for prescription coverage, follow these tips to make sure you understand what drugs are covered, what you’ll pay and how to get the most for your money.
Check that your drugs are covered.
Review the Health Alliance Medicare Part D Formulary, a list of covered drugs, to make sure the drugs you take are covered. The formulary will also tell you what tier (cost group) your drugs are and how much you’ll pay.
Remember, our formulary is an open formulary, which allows coverage for some drugs that are not specifically listed.
Understand the coverage gap.
Learn about the coverage gap and how you reach it because with some plans you pay 100 percent of your drug costs during this period.
Visit What’s the Coverage Gap? to learn more.
Look for programs to help you save.
Many plans offer special pharmacy programs that can help you manage your medications and save money. You may also qualify for extra help.
See our drug safety and savings section for free voluntary programs offered to Health Alliance Medicare members with pharmacy benefits.