Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Plans

Helping Clients find affordable prescription coverage under Medicare

Medicare Part D provides essential coverage for prescription drugs through private insurers approved by Medicare. Safe Hands Insurance Services compares Medicare Part D plans to ensure your medications are covered at the best possible cost.

Understanding Medicare Part D

How Prescription Coverage Works Under Medicare

Medicare Part D helps pay for prescription drugs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. You can get Part D either as a standalone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) alongside a Medicare Supplement, or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan (MAPD). Having Part D is important—even if you don’t take many medications—because enrolling late can result in lifelong penalties. Safe Hands Insurance Services helps clients review their options and find drug coverage tailored to their medication list.


Choosing the Right Drug Plan

Comparing Coverage, Costs, and Pharmacies

When selecting a Part D plan, it’s crucial to check whether your prescriptions are on the plan’s formulary (list of covered drugs). We review the cost-sharing structure, deductible, and preferred pharmacy networks to identify the best fit. Factors like generic availability, mail-order options, and tier pricing can make a big difference in annual costs. With so many plan options, Safe Hands Insurance Services simplifies the process by finding the plan that minimizes your total expenses—not just your premium.


How We Assist with Part D Enrollment

Annual Reviews and Expert Plan Matching

Each year, Part D plan benefits, premiums, and formularies can change. We review our clients’ medication lists annually during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period to make sure they’re still in the best plan for their needs. Our team handles the comparison work and helps you enroll with confidence, saving you time and frustration.


Understanding Coverage Stages

How Part D Costs Change Throughout The Year

Part D plans move through several stagesIn 2025, the Coverage Gap (donut hole) was eliminated from all Part D plans. The drug stages (Deductible, Initial Coverage, and Catastrophic) determine how much you and your plan pay for prescriptions. Safe Hands Insurance Services can provide clients a detailed breakdown through all drug stages. They also use their expertise and resources to help avoid unnecessary spending: using preferred pharmacies, mail-order, generic alternatives, Extra Help, etc. to reduce costs and avoid unnecessary spending.


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Common Questions About Part D

Helpful Answers for Medicare Beneficiaries in Texas

  • Do I need a Part D plan if I don’t take any prescriptions?

    Yes. If you go without creditable drug coverage for too long after becoming eligible, you’ll face a lifetime late enrollment penalty. We can find a low-cost plan that ensures you’re covered even if you use few or no prescriptions today.

  • How can I check if my medications are covered?

    Every plan has a formulary, or list of covered drugs. Safe Hands Insurance Services compares your prescriptions plans to identify which covers your medications most affordably and at which pharmacies.

  • What happened to the Medicare Part D “donut hole,” and how does it affect my coverage?

    The Medicare Part D “donut hole” was fully eliminated in 2025, which means beneficiaries no longer experience the coverage gap that used to increase prescription costs midway through the year. Instead, the Inflation Reduction Act created a more predictable structure for out-of-pocket spending, including an annual cap that limits how much you pay for medications. These changes are intended to make prescription coverage simpler and more affordable for people across Texas and the DFW area. Safe Hands Insurance Services will walk you through the new system and help you understand how your medications will be covered under current Part D rules.

  • Can I change my Part D plan during the year?

    Usually, you must wait for the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7) to change your plan unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. We help clients track changes in medication needs to prepare for future adjustments.

  • How much do Part D plans cost?

    Premiums vary widely—from around $10 to over $100 monthly—depending on coverage and the medications you take. We help you compare total annual costs, including premiums and copays, to find the most cost-effective plan.