Medicare

Part D (prescription drug) plans

Medicare Part D helps with the cost of prescription drug coverage.

Medicare prescription drug plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and cover your prescription drug costs for covered medications.

Coverage and costs beyond the standards set by Medicare can vary and your choices may vary depending on where you live. Some plans have pharmacy networks and mail order pharmacies offering discounted pricing.

To be eligible for a Part D plan, you must be enrolled in Part A or Part B (Original Medicare).

You can choose to receive Part D coverage in addition to:

  • Part A and/or Part B
  • Part A and Part B with a Medicare Supplement insurance plan
  • Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) generally includes Part D

What is covered?

  • Specific brand name and generic drugs on the formulary (a list of specific drugs covered)
  • Types of drugs commonly prescribed according to federal standards
  • Commercially available vaccines not covered by Part B

Plan costs for 2024

Premium

  • Plan premiums vary and can change each year
  • You may pay a premium penalty if you enrolled late in Part D

Deductible

  • The 2024 maximum deductible is $545
  • Some plans may not have a deductible
  • Some plans may have tiers with separate deductibles

Copay

  • Some plans may have fixed copay amounts each time you fill a prescription

Coinsurance

  • Some plans require you pay a coinsurance percentage every time you fill a prescription

When to enroll in a Part D plan

Initial Enrollment (IEP)            
You can join a Medicare Part D plan during your Initial Enrollment Period when you first become eligible for Medicare and have Part A and Part B.

Annual Enrollment (AEP)            
During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) any qualified Medicare member can enroll in a Medicare Part D plan. Your coverage will begin on Jan. 1.

Did you know?

If you do not sign up for Part D when you are first eligible, or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, Part D may charge a premium penalty.

Questions about our Medicare coverage?

800-752-6650 (TTY 711)
[email protected]

Phone hours:               
Medicare Advantage: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday
All other inquiries: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Helpful links

Kansas Insurance Department | Required Statements and Disclosures | Medicare.gov | Social Security Administration

Disclaimers

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. BLUE CROSS®, BLUE SHIELD® and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call 800-222-7645 (TTY:711) for more information. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Medicare Advantage depends on contract renewal. Medicare Advantage, through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, is only offered within a limited number of Kansas counties. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas serves all counties in Kansas except for Johnson and Wyandotte.

Please contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas at 800-752-6650 (TTY: 711) if you need information in an accessible format or language other than English. BCBSKS complies with applicable state laws and federal civil rights laws, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, marital status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

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