Medicare Part D is Medicare’s prescription drug coverage. It’s offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare, and you can get it in two ways: as a standalone Part D plan alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), or built into many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.
Part D plans aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each plan has its own drug list (formulary), pharmacy network, tiers, copays, and rules like prior authorization or quantity limits. Costs can also change year to year, so a plan that worked great last year may not be the best fit now, especially if your medications change.
Below, you’ll find ToniSays.com articles and resources that break down Medicare Part D down into plain English, step-by-step, so you can compare plans confidently, understand your costs, and avoid common enrollment mistakes and penalties.
READ: What Is Medicare? 2026 Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Your Coverage Options
Major Change to Donut Hole for 2025 Toni: I understand that there is a major change to the 2025 Medicare Part D plan with the “Donut Hole” going away. I’m concerned because this year, I entered the donut hole in July and will exit it in November. This month’s Part D...
Why Enrolling in Medicare Part D is Important! Toni: I was told to receive a shingles vaccination; I need to be enrolled in a Part D prescription drug plan for the vaccination to have a $0 copay or pay $200. I thought all vaccinations and immunizations are...
How To Avoid the Medicare Part D Penalty!! Hello Toni: I read your article about how ignoring Medicare rules is Costing Americans millions and I believe I have made a mistake because I have not enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. I need your help! I...
Major Change to Medicare Part D in 2024? Toni: This year, I got into the Medicare “Donut Hole in July and got out of it in September. I am not sure what I will pay when I leave the Donut Hole? I can see from the Part D monthly statement that my prescription...
Can A Clinical Trial Prescription Drug Avoid the Donut Hole? Toni: I turn 65 in May and am covered by my wife’s employer group health insurance. I’m fighting stage 3 kidney cancer and the prognosis is good since I am participating in a clinical trial for a new...
What is Medicare’s “creditable” prescription drug coverage? Hello Toni: I turned 65 in August 2021, continued to work full-time with an HSA that has a $3,000 deductible for medical claims paid by the insurance plan, and used a prescription discount card to cover...
Medicare Now Covers Shingles Vaccine at NO Cost! Toni: I was recently told that to receive a shingles vaccination I needed to have a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to get the vaccination or pay $200. I thought all vaccinations and immunizations were...
Treat Medicare Part B Like It’s Gold...Enroll the Correct Way!! Dear Toni: I have decided to retire when I turn 65 in September and will need to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B with a Medicare Supplement and Part D prescription drug plan. My husband, Tom is 67and he...
Can Beginning RMDs Raise Your Medicare Premiums? Dear Toni, I am over 73 and began taking my RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) from my 401K when I turned 72. Could this have increased my Medicare Part B premium for 2023? This year my Part B and Part D...
Why Is My Medicare Part B Premium $615? Dear Toni, I have been reading your articles regarding turning 65, being laid off, and enrolling in Medicare properly but I have not read an article on how to lower my Medicare monthly premium. I need help. I turned 65 in...
