Medicare patients in the Part D prescription drug program often face significant out-of-pocket costs, especially early in the year while trying to meet their deductible. Recent changes to the Medicare Part D program could help.
In 2026, out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare Part D medications are capped at $2,100 per patient for the year. No patient will pay more than $2,100 out of pocket in combined expenses for all their Part D medications during a single year.
In addition, patients can enroll in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which helps spread patients’ payments evenly throughout the year. Those who previously enrolled in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan are automatically re-enrolled during open enrollment, unless they change prescription drug plans.
The program may help make prescription drug costs more manageable.
Patients who are not already enrolled in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan can opt in during open enrollment period or at any point that’s convenient for them. Learn more about the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan to decide if enrolling is the right decision.
