What is Medicare Part D all about?

Medicare Part D offers subsidized prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part D was created by the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. That’s the same legislation that set up the Medicare-approved discount drug cards that have been available for the past few years. The discount cards are no longer valid.

Two important things to remember:

1. Medicare Part D is not automatic. You must enroll in it. If you decide not to enroll, that’s fine. It’s your choice. But if you change your mind later and decide to join, you will pay higher premiums.

2. Medicare Part D is not free.