The part of Medicare that provides prescription drug coverage as administered by private health care plans that contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide prescription drug plans for Medicare beneficiaries and Medicare enrollees (42 U.S.C. ch. 7, subch. XVIII, pt. D). Medicare beneficiaries can choose a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) that adds prescription drug benefits to their Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) offer Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage (MA-PD plans).

For more information, see Practice Note, Health Care Payors and Reimbursement: Overview: Medicare Part D.