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Part D and prescriptions in Salisbury
Drug coverage that fits your pharmacy.
A drug plan that suits your neighbor may be a poor fit for you. Here is how Part D works and how to compare it the right way.
How Part D works
Part D is Medicare's prescription drug coverage, offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. You get it one of two ways: as a standalone plan added to Original Medicare and a Supplement, or built into most Medicare Advantage plans. Either way, each plan has its own list of covered drugs, called a formulary, its own pharmacy network, and its own premium and cost sharing.
What changed: a yearly cap
Part D now has an out of pocket maximum for covered drugs. In 2026, once you have paid $2,100 for covered prescriptions, you pay nothing more for covered drugs for the rest of the year. The cap amount can change each year. For people with expensive medications, this cap has made drug costs far more predictable.
You can also choose to spread your costs into monthly payments instead of paying large amounts at the pharmacy counter early in the year. Ask your plan about the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan if a big bill in January worries you.
Compare plans by your drugs and your pharmacy
Two Salisbury residents can need completely different plans. The right comparison looks at:
- Your exact prescriptions, including dose and how often you fill them
- Your pharmacy, since many plans charge less at preferred pharmacies, and the store on your side of town may not be preferred
- Mail order, which can lower costs for maintenance drugs
- Drug tiers and rules, such as prior authorization or step therapy for certain medications
- The premium and deductible, weighed against what you will actually spend over the year
Tip from our team: bring your actual pill bottles or a printed medication list to your review. Small differences in dose or form can change which plan covers a drug best.
Avoid the late enrollment penalty
If you go 63 days or more in a row without Part D or other creditable drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period ends, a penalty is added to your premium: 1% of a national base amount for each month you went without coverage, for as long as you have Part D. Coverage from an employer or retiree plan may count as creditable; your plan sends a notice each year saying whether it does. Keep those letters. Our turning 65 steps show where Part D fits in your first year.
Your yearly drug plan checkup
Formularies, pharmacy networks and premiums change every January. A plan that worked well this year can cost more next year without you changing anything. Each fall, read your Annual Notice of Change, then compare during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7. If you have a Supplement, your Part D plan is the piece most likely to need a change; see how it fits with the rest of your coverage in our Supplement vs Advantage guide.
Help with costs
If your income and resources are limited, Extra Help can lower premiums, deductibles and copays, and Maryland offers programs that may help too. Eligibility is decided by Social Security and Maryland Medicaid, not by us, but we can help you understand where to apply and how it affects your plan choices.
What people ask us about drug plans
Can I change my Part D plan every year?
Yes. During the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7, you can switch drug plans for the coming year. Coverage changes take effect January 1.
What if I only take one or two medications?
It is still worth having coverage. Going without creditable drug coverage can lead to a late enrollment penalty of 1% per month without coverage, added for as long as you have Part D.
Is there help with drug costs if my income is limited?
Yes. Extra Help is a federal program that lowers Part D costs for people with limited income and resources. Social Security decides eligibility, and we can point you to the application.