If you enroll in a Medigap plan today, it will not cover your medications. Plans sold after 2005 no longer include prescription drug coverage. If you want to cover the cost of prescriptions, you will need a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D.)

Below, this Medicare Supplement agency in La Crosse, Indiana is going to explain how Medigap and Part D work together.

What does Part D cover?

Even if you are healthy now or only take a few basic medications, Part D gives you a safety net for the future. Prescription costs tend to increase with age. Having Part D protects you from surprise expenses as it covers both brand-name and generic drugs.

Part D also gives you access to programs that can save you money by giving you lower, negotiated drug prices. Some plans include Medication Therapy Management to help you stay on track with prescriptions. If you qualify, Extra Help can lower your drug costs even more.

If you wait to sign up for Plan D, you will incur a permanent penalty. That means your monthly premium will be higher every year you are enrolled. Signing up on time saves you from that added cost.

How do Medigap and Part D work together?

Medigap and Part D work side by side to give you stronger coverage under Original Medicare. Medigap covers your out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. It also lets you visit any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. However, Medigap does not cover prescription drugs.

Part D does cover prescription drugs. It is a standalone plan that works alongside Original Medicare.

Together, Medigap and Part D give you broad coverage. Medigap covers your hospital and doctor bills. Part D covers your prescriptions. This combination gives you the freedom to choose your providers and keeps your drug costs predictable.

A Medicare Supplement agency in La Crosse, Indiana can help you line up these to ensure they work smoothly for your health and your budget.

Pick the right plan for you.

Not all Part D plans are the same. What they cover and how much they cost can vary. Your costs depend on the plan you pick and whether you qualify for Extra Help.

Plans have different drug lists called formularies. They also have tiers. Lower tiers usually include generics with lower copays. Higher tiers may cost more, sometimes using coinsurance, where you pay a percentage of the drug price. This means that two plans that cover the same drug can still have different costs.

Brand-name drugs typically use coinsurance, which can range from 15% to 25% of the price. That makes costs less predictable compared to flat copays.

Plans also vary in which pharmacies they work with. Some have preferred pharmacies with lower costs. Others may offer mail-order options for convenience.

That is why it is important to look at your prescriptions and how each plan covers them. Check if your drugs are on the list, what tier they are in, and if your pharmacy is preferred or in-network.

An experienced Medicare Supplement agency in La Crosse, Indiana can help you compare these details. They can help you avoid surprises and get a plan that works for your needs and your wallet.

Should you enroll in Part D if you don’t currently take medications?

Yes, it is still a good idea. Even if you don’t take medications now, signing up gives you coverage for the future. Health needs can change rapidly, especially as we age.

If you skip Part D and go 63 days or more without other drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period, you will face a late fee. The penalty adds about 1% of the national base premium (about $36.78 in 2025) for every month you go without coverage. Once you incur this penalty, it remains with your plan permanently, even if you switch plans later.

So, signing up for Part D early helps protect you from extra costs down the road.

Looking for a Medicare Supplement Agency in La Crosse, Indiana?

Are you looking for a Medicare Supplement agency in La Crosse, Indiana that can help you compare Medigap and Part D drug plans? If so, look no further than our team at Senior Care Insurance Services. Contact us today to learn how our agents can help you find the right converge.