Manage Your Monthly Drug Costs
The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is a new payment option in the prescription drug law that works with your current drug coverage to help you manage your out-of-pocket Medicare Part D drug costs by spreading them across the calendar year (January–December).
While the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan helps manage month to month costs, it does not lower your overall annualized prescription drug costs. If you are having trouble affording your Medicare Drug Benefits costs, the Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) provides extra help for individuals who have limited income and resources. Certain Medicare beneficiaries automatically qualify for LIS; however, if you aren’t currently receiving extra help, you can apply for LIS by filling out an application.
If you qualify for LIS enrollment, this program will be more advantageous than participation in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. You can read more about the LIS program on our website by navigating to the LIS Premium Summary.
All plans offer this payment option and participation is voluntary.
- This payment option might help you manage your monthly expenses, but it doesn’t save you money or lower your drug costs.
- Each month you’ll continue to pay your health or drug plan premium (if you have one), and you’ll get a bill from your plan to pay for your prescription drugs (instead of paying the pharmacy).
- Participating in this payment option is voluntary, and it doesn’t cost anything to participate. To participate in this payment option, contact your plan.
- You might benefit from programs that can help you save money like Extra Help, if you qualify.
Visit Medicare.gov/prescription-payment-plan, or contact us for more information about the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. If you need this information in other languages, please contact Member Services.