Information on the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older, people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and people of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. People who are eligible for Medicare have their prescription benefits covered under Medicare Part D. With Medicare part D, almost all of your drug costs are paid for by Medicare not Medicaid. You will pay a small Medicare copayment for each prescription.

If you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, also known as dual eligible, you will automatically be assigned to a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicaid Part D). If you are dually eligible, Medicaid will still cover select prescription vitamins and certain non-prescription drugs. See the below website:

  • Drugs covered by Medicaid for Dual Eligible Members - (Web) - (PDF)

If you previously were enrolled only in NYS Medicaid and you do not join a Medicare Part D plan, when you enroll in Medicare, you may lose all your Medicaid benefits. You should contact Medicare at the website or phone numbers listed below to enroll in Part D.

For more information about Medicare, including Part D benefits, click on or call:

Additional Information for Members and Providers