Many people are surprised when they first find out their Medigap plan does not include prescription drug coverage. It feels like it should, right? You pay for health coverage, so you expect it to include your medications also.

While Medigap can be very useful for reducing your medical bills, it does not cover prescriptions at the pharmacy. If you want drug coverage, you will need to get a separate Part D plan. Below, this Medicare Supplement agency in Hebron, Indiana is going to explain this in detail.

How do Medigap and prescription drug plans work together?

Some Medigap plans previously included prescription coverage until Medicare introduced Part D. Since then, Medigap plans have generally stopped including prescription benefits, and Part D has become the primary option for covering medications.

Now, Medigap and Part D each cover different parts of your health coverage. Medigap covers hospital care, doctor visits, lab tests, and other medical expenses that Original Medicare does not fully cover. Part D covers your prescriptions. When you combine the two, you get the best protection.

Of course, deciding which plans to choose is easier said than done. There are different Medigap plans and multiple Part D options, each with its own pricing and coverage details.

This is where your local Medicare Supplement agency in Hebron, Indiana can be valuable. They can help you compare both plans and make sure you don’t pay for more than you truly need.

Why do you need a separate drug plan with Medigap?

If you go more than 63 days without a Part D plan (or other “creditable” drug coverage), Medicare adds a late enrollment penalty. It is a small percentage added to your monthly premium for every month you wait. And once this penalty is added, you will have to pay it if you have Part D.

To avoid the late enrollment penalty, you should sign up for a Part D plan when you first enroll in Medicare. You should do it even if you are not taking many prescriptions when you enroll.

You can choose from 16 stand-alone Part D plans. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs (a “formulary”). Prices can also change depending on which pharmacy you use.

That can be a lot to compare on your own. Some plans look cheaper initially, but they can cost more when you start filling prescriptions. Others might be a better deal overall. Your local Medicare Supplement agency can help you compare plans to find the best option for your situation.

What should you look for in a Part D plan?

When comparing drug plans, don’t focus exclusively on the one with the lowest monthly cost. A plan with a small premium can look good at first, but it could cost you more if it does not cover your specific medications. So, make a list of the prescriptions you take and then check if the plan’s formulary covers each one. Every plan has a slightly different list, so you should check it closely.

You should also check what you will pay at the pharmacy. Prices can change depending on which drugstore you use, even for the same plan. Next, you will want to check the deductible. Some plans have no deductible, while others have one that resets every year.

If your income is on the lower side, you might qualify for Extra Help. This is a federal program that can lower your premiums and copays. Some people even get their drug costs covered completely.

As of 2025, Medicare has also introduced a Prescription Payment Plan. This program allows you to spread your out-of-pocket prescription drug costs over the year instead of paying a large amount all at once.

Both options can lower the cost of prescriptions. Your local Medicare Supplement agency in Hebron, Indiana can help you find out if you qualify. And if you do qualify, they will walk you through the application process.

Looking for a Medicare Supplement Agency in Hebron, Indiana?

If you are looking for a Medicare Supplement agency in Hebron, Indiana that can help you compare Medigap and Part D plans, Senior Care Insurance Services is the top choice. We partner with top-rated Medicare insurance companies, and we’re here to help you find the best coverage for your needs. Contact us today to learn more.