Part B vs. Part D Medicare Drug Coverage
October 3, 2023 | John Demko
When it comes to Medicare, there are several different parts of coverage that cover various healthcare services and prescription medications. Medicare Part D is commonly known as prescription drug coverage in Medicare. Although Medicare Part D does cover most prescriptions, especially those obtained from a pharmacy, there are some medications that are actually covered by Medicare Part B. In this article, we’ll review these parts of Medicare and look closely at the prescriptions and drugs that are covered by Medicare Part B and Part D.
Prescriptions Covered by Medicare Part B
Medications that are covered by Part B are most often administered by a healthcare professional in a clinic or pharmacy setting. There are some prescriptions that may be picked up and used at home as well.
Here are some of the drugs that are covered by Medicare Part B:
- Vaccines: some preventive vaccines such as Covid-19, Flu, Hepatitis, Pneumococcal (pneumonia)
- Drugs used with DME: most drugs used with durable medical equipment, such as insulin used with an infusion pump
- Cancer Drugs: some cancer medications in both oral and injectable form
- Other injections or infusions: this could include eye injections for macular degeneration or infusion for rheumatoid arthritis or other health conditions
Find Out More About Drugs Covered by Medicare Part B
Prescriptions Covered by Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D covers most medications that are prescribed by a doctor and obtained from your local pharmacy or mail order pharmacy. Medications covered by Medicare Part D can differ between plans. The prescriptions covered are defined by “formularies,” a list of covered drugs. Medicare prescription drug plans (PDP’s) cover both generic and brand-name medications. While formularies vary, plans are required to cover a certain amount of medicines in each therapeutic category and essential drugs like those for cancer or HIV/AIDS.
How To Set Up Mail Order For Your Rx Prescription
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