Medicare Part D in Alaska: Your Guide to Drug Plans in 2025
Choosing the right Medicare Part D plan in Alaska can feel like navigating a maze of premiums, deductibles, and formularies. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With 12 different Medicare Part D Alaska plans available, finding one that fits your healthcare needs and budget is completely possible.
We're here to guide you through everything you need to know so you can make a confident, well-informed decision about your Medicare Part D coverage options.
Basic Medicare Part D Plans
Basic Medicare Part D plans offer essential drug coverage with lower premiums but may have higher out-of-pocket costs for certain medications. The following table links to all basic benefit Part D plans in Alaska.
| Plan Name | Premium/Mo | Deductible | Rating* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AARP Medicare Rx Saver from UHC | $82 | $590 | ||
| Cigna Healthcare Assurance Rx | $4 | $590 | ||
| Humana Basic Rx Plan | $0 | $590 | ||
| SilverScript Choice | $45 | $590 | ||
| Wellcare Classic | $74 | $590 | ||
| * Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. | ||||
- Essential Drug Coverage: Basic plans cover a narrower range of medications, focusing on essential, lower-cost drugs. Ensure that your prescriptions are included in the plan’s formulary, as Basic plans may exclude higher-cost or specialty medications.
- Lower Monthly Premiums: Basic plans typically offer lower monthly premiums, making them a cost-effective choice if your medication needs are minimal or if you are primarily taking generic drugs.
- Higher Deductibles and Cost-Sharing: Expect higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs with Basic plans, especially for drugs not on the preferred list. If your medication needs increase, these costs could add up quickly.
Enhanced Medicare Part D Plans
Enhanced Medicare Part D plans provide broader drug coverage, often at a higher monthly premium. The following table links to all enhanced benefit Part D plans available in Alaska.
| Plan Name | Premium/Mo | Deductible | Rating* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AARP Medicare Rx Preferred from UHC | $85 | $0 | ||
| Cigna Healthcare Extra Rx | $36 | $175 | ||
| Cigna Healthcare Saver Rx | $30 | $590 | ||
| Humana Premier Rx Plan | $139 | $0 | ||
| Humana Value Rx Plan | $33 | $573 | ||
| Wellcare Medicare Rx Value Plus | $107 | $590 | ||
| Wellcare Value Script | $22 | $590 | ||
| * Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. | ||||
- Broader Drug Coverage: Enhanced plans generally offer more extensive coverage, including a broader range of brand-name and specialty drugs. This can be crucial if you require medications not covered by Basic plans.
- Higher Monthly Premiums: Enhanced plans may have higher monthly premiums, reflecting the broader coverage and additional benefits. Ensure that the increased premium aligns with your medication needs and overall budget.
- Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs: Although the premiums are higher, Enhanced plans often offer lower deductibles and reduced copayments or coinsurance for certain drugs. This could lead to overall savings if you require several medications.
Extra Help Medicare Part D Plans
Extra Help Medicare Part D plans significantly reduce prescription costs for eligible beneficiaries, offering lower premiums, deductibles, and copayments. This program is not part of Medicare Advantage plans. The following table shows all Extra Help Part D plans available in Alaska.
| Plan Name | Premium/Mo | Deductible | Rating* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AARP Medicare Rx Preferred from UHC | $85 | $0 | ||
| AARP Medicare Rx Saver from UHC | $82 | $590 | ||
| Cigna Healthcare Assurance Rx | $4 | $590 | ||
| Cigna Healthcare Extra Rx | $36 | $175 | ||
| Cigna Healthcare Saver Rx | $30 | $590 | ||
| Humana Basic Rx Plan | $0 | $590 | ||
| Humana Premier Rx Plan | $139 | $0 | ||
| Humana Value Rx Plan | $33 | $573 | ||
| SilverScript Choice | $45 | $590 | ||
| Wellcare Classic | $74 | $590 | ||
| Wellcare Medicare Rx Value Plus | $107 | $590 | ||
| Wellcare Value Script | $22 | $590 | ||
| * Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. | ||||
- Significant Cost Savings: Extra Help plans are designed to lower your prescription drug costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Compare how much you can save with each plan, as some might offer more substantial reductions based on your specific medications.
- Coverage During the Coverage Gap: With Extra Help, you might receive continued drug coverage through the coverage gap (donut hole). This means your out-of-pocket medication costs could remain consistent throughout the year, providing more predictable expenses.
- Formulary and Drug Tiers: Even with Extra Help, reviewing the plan's formulary and drug tiers is essential to ensure your medications are covered and to understand any potential out-of-pocket costs. LIS plans might still have variations in copayments depending on the tier of your medications.
- Pharmacy Network Access: Some plans may offer lower copayments at preferred pharmacies. Verify that your regular pharmacy is included in the plan's network, or consider switching to a preferred pharmacy to maximize your savings.
- Impact on Plan Choice: If you qualify for Extra Help, it might influence which plans are most beneficial for you. Plans with higher premiums or deductibles that may not be affordable without assistance could become viable options under LIS, offering more comprehensive coverage.
Essential Facts About Medicare Part D Plans
Medicare Part D plans are all about helping you afford your prescription medications. It's a separate program from Original Medicare; private insurers call the shots. But don't worry; the Medicare program sets the rules.
In Alaska, the average Part D deductible this year is $456. But here's the silver lining: 2 plans offer a zero-dollar deductible, which could save you a good amount upfront, depending on your prescriptions.
Decoding How Medicare Part D Plans Work
Every Medicare Part D plan covers a wide array of medications through a list known as a formulary. A formulary is a catalog of all the drugs a particular plan covers. Since formularies can vary from plan to plan, it’s important to review yours to ensure it includes the prescriptions you rely on.
Each formulary is divided into different "tiers," categorizing medications by cost. Typically, drugs in lower tiers have lower copayments, while those in higher tiers have higher out-of-pocket expenses.
For instance, Tier 1 might include generic drugs with the lowest copayments, while Tier 2 could feature preferred brand-name medications at a slightly higher cost. Tiers 3, 4, and 5 usually encompass brand-name and specialty drugs with steeper prices.
Out-of-pocket costs can fluctuate based on several factors, including the plan you select, the tier your medications fall under, and which coverage phase you’re in—such as the deductible or initial coverage phase.
Key Factors to Consider When Before a Medicare Part D Plan
Finding a Medicare Part D plan in Alaska that aligns with your needs requires carefully reviewing various factors. This ensures that your plan provides the right coverage while minimizing out-of-pocket costs.
Monthly Premium
This is the amount you pay each month for your Medicare Part D plan. Think of it like a subscription fee. While it’s tempting to go for the lowest possible premium, remember to factor in deductibles, copayments, and coverage details.
A lower monthly premium often means a higher deductible or more limited coverage. The goal is to find a good balance that won't result in unexpected expenses later.
Annual Deductible
Similar to deductibles with other types of insurance, this is the amount you need to pay out of pocket for covered medications before your Medicare Part D plan starts covering costs. It’s the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in.
If you regularly take prescription medications, opting for a plan with a lower deductible can often lead to greater savings. If you rarely need prescriptions, choosing a plan with a higher deductible might be a better option.
Drug Formulary
Review the plan’s formulary, or list of covered medications, to ensure your prescriptions are included. Since formularies can change throughout the year, it’s a good idea to check during the Annual Enrollment Period to confirm that your necessary medications remain covered.
Also, take note of your medication's tier within the formulary, as this will directly impact your costs.
Pharmacy Network
Many plans have preferred pharmacy networks that offer discounted prices on medications, which can result in substantial savings. Ensure that your preferred pharmacies are in-network, and check if mail-order pharmacy options are available. Mail-order services can be particularly convenient and cost-effective for long-term prescriptions.
How Part D Plans Coordinate with Other Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage, but you may wonder, "How does this fit with my other Medicare benefits?" Let's break it down for you:
Original Medicare
If you have Original Medicare, Part A covers your hospital stays, and Part B covers doctor visits and other medical services. This includes any medications your doctor administers in the office. Part D then steps in to help pay for the prescription medications you take at home. This way, you have comprehensive coverage.
Medicare Supplements
Medicare Supplements, sometimes called Medigap, help pay some of your healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover. This can be things like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. But they don't cover everything.
For instance, Medicare Supplements don't cover prescription drugs. You'll need a stand-alone Part D plan if you want prescription coverage.
Having a Medicare Supplement plan and a Part D plan can save you a lot of money if you need a lot of medications. Although you have to pay a monthly premium for both, it can be worth it for the peace of mind. This way, you know you have good coverage for both medical and drug costs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
For those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Part C, Part D coverage works a bit differently. Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, meaning your medical care and medications are bundled together in one plan.
However, some Medicare Advantage plans do not include drug coverage, giving you the option to enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan instead.
Whether you opt for Original Medicare with a separate Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage, it’s all about finding the right fit for your needs. Consider the medications you take and your budget to choose the best option for your healthcare.
Add These Medicare Part D Enrollment Dates to Your Calendar
Medicare has designated periods when you can enroll in or update your coverage. Here are the key dates you should know:
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a seven-month window starts three months before the month of your 65th birthday. It's your first opportunity to sign up for Medicare Part D and avoid any potential late enrollment penalties.
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): From October 15th to December 7th each year, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. This period is ideal for reviewing your current plan and making adjustments based on any changes in your healthcare needs.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period occurs every year from January 1st to March 31st for those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During this time, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.
To stay informed, don't forget to bookmark our Medicare Enrollment Periods Guide.
Need Help Enrolling in a Alaska Prescription Drug Plan?
Sorting through Medicare Part D plans on your own can feel challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our knowledgeable, licensed insurance agents are available to help by phone at 1-833-748-3201, seven days a week (Mon-Fri 5am-6pm, Sat 6am-5pm PST).
We’re here to answer your questions, compare plans, and assist you every step of the way through the enrollment process.
Plans Offered Through Medicare.org
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aspire Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Capital Blue Cross, Cigna Healthcare, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, Freedom Health, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Healthy Blue, HealthSun, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Medica Central Health Plan, Optimum HealthCare, Premera Blue Cross, SCAN Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare(R), Wellcare, WellPoint.
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