09/03/2026
More than half of people on Medicare don’t know what Medicare Part D actually is.
According to eHealth’s 2026 Medicare Knowledge Gaps study, 54% of current Medicare beneficiaries could not correctly identify the basic definition of Medicare Part D.
Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. You can get it through a standalone Part D plan, or prescription drug coverage may be included in a Medicare Advantage plan.
But knowing that is only the beginning.
Part D plans have different drug lists, pharmacy networks and costs. The plan that works well for your neighbor may be a terrible fit for your prescriptions. And going without Part D or other creditable prescription coverage can result in a late enrollment penalty that may follow you for as long as you have Part D.
This is another reason working with a knowledgeable local Medicare insurance agent is important. They can review your actual prescriptions and pharmacies and help you understand how the plans available where you live work for you.
This is #5 in Trusted Healthcare Alliance’s 10-part series, What Medicare Beneficiaries Don’t Know. We’re helping people understand Medicare before a misunderstanding becomes an expensive mistake.
trustedhealthcarealliance.org
Source: eHealth, Medicare Knowledge Gaps Report, 2026
