Find ways to pay less for your prescriptions

FDA-approved generics must match the brand drug's active ingredient, strength, dosage form, route, quality, performance, intended use, and key labeling, with allowed differences such as inactive ingredients or appearance. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic is available and suitable for your specific prescription.

Ask your clinician about a generic or lower-cost covered alternative. Compare your plan's participating pharmacies, mail-order price, formulary, and annual plan options; also compare a legitimate cash price. Manufacturer or state assistance may help. Discount-card purchases generally do not count toward Medicare deductibles or out-of-pocket limits.

Use a pharmacy that requires a valid prescription, lists a U.S. physical address, is licensed by the relevant state board of pharmacy, and provides access to a state-licensed pharmacist. Avoid sellers offering prescription medicine without a prescription, sending unsolicited deals, hiding their location, or promising implausibly low prices.

Extra Help assists qualifying people with Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles, and prescription cost-sharing. Income and resource limits and copays can change each year. Some people qualify automatically; others can apply. Medicare directs people to Social Security and offers free local help through State Health Insurance Assistance Programs.

No. The option spreads out-of-pocket costs for covered Part D drugs across the calendar year, which may improve cash flow, but it does not lower the total owed. People with high costs early in the year may benefit most. Compare it with Extra Help and other assistance before enrolling through your plan.