Does Medicare cover the cost of prescriptions?

Medicare offers very limited coverage for prescriptions by default. Typically, only drugs administered by a doctor on an outpatient basis are covered. For prescription coverage, subscribers need to opt into a Part D plan administered by a third party or choose a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription coverage.

Medicare Part D plans are prescription-only plans, which are independent of Part A and Part B coverage. These plans have their own monthly premium, and coverage amounts can vary. Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is a private insurance plan that replaces traditional Medicare coverage entirely, and it typically offers prescription coverage as a benefit.