Making Medicare Part D More Affordable for Patients

The Issue

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. Changes to the Medicare Part D program could help.

In 2026, Medicare will cap out-of-pocket expenses for Part D medications at $2,100 per patient, per year. No patient will pay more than $2,100 out of pocket in combined expenses for all their medications during a single year.

In addition, patients who previously enrolled in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan will be 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 can opt in during the open enrollment period, beginning October 15, 2025, 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.