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
Medicare Part D Penalty Costs What?? Hello Toni: In April, I retired and had a telemarketing agent help me find a Medicare Supplement which began May 1, 2022 No one told me that I had a specific amount of time to enroll in my Medicare Part D plan. I have a serious...
Using GoodRx With Medicare Part D Toni: I am a weekly follower of the Toni Says® Medicare column and have had a wonderful Medicare experience which helped to save me from getting in the Donut hole with an expensive generic prescription. I received a generic...
Changes to 2022 Medicare Part D Co-Pays and Donut…Released! Toni: This year, the 2022 Medicare and You handbook did not include all the information regarding the Medicare Part D deductibles and “Donut Hole”. I got in the “famous” Medicare donut hole this August and do...
October 15 Is Coming….Know Your Medicare Options!! Dear Toni: I turned 65 in Feb and did not enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. I’ve been told that I must wait until October for Medicare’s Annual Enrollment time. I need help now because I have been...
Is the Donut Hole Getting You!! Toni: Last year, my husband got into the “donut hole” in September. I can see from the Part D statement he receives monthly that he is rapidly approaching the donut hole and it is only the beginning of May. He has only added one new...
Medicare Prescription Drug Penalty Confusion!! Hello Toni: Turned 65 in August 2018, continued to work full-time with an HSA that has a $3000.00 deductible before any prescriptions or medical claims are paid by the insurance plan. The HR manager of my employer...
Left Employer Benefits Now I Have a Medicare Part D Penalty…Why?? Hello Toni: I made a terrible mistake last April when I was no longer being covered by my employer group health plan due to retiring. I had a telemarketing agent help me find a Medicare Supplement...
2021 Medicare Part D Deductible and Donut Hole Costs…Released! Toni: This year, the 2021 Medicare and You handbook did not include all the information regarding the Medicare Part D deductibles and “Donut Hole”. I got in the “famous” Medicare donut hole in June of 2020...
Enrolled in Medicare Part B…NOW I’m Receiving a Part D Penalty…Why? Hello Toni: Turned 65 in August 2018, continued to work full-time with company benefits, until I was laid off on May 10thand that is when my employer benefits ended. I have enrolled in a Medicare...
What?? Not Enrolling in Medicare Part D Caused a Penalty? Hello Toni: I received a notice from CMS (Medicare) saying they do not have record of me having prescription drug coverage that “met Medicare’s minimum standards from 8/1/2017 to 1/1/2020 and I may receive a...
