The Drug Program

The Medicare prescription drug program, known as Medicare Part D, began on January 1, 2006. Medicare consumers now have many decisions to make about the program—whether to sign up, which plan to pick, how to evaluate plans, and how to apply for low-income assistance.

This center has resources from Families USA and other groups that explain how Part D works,  links to resources that can help beneficiaries make the right choices about their drug coverage, particularly low-income beneficiaries, an archive of materials on the history of the legislation, and other background information.

Drug Benefit Basics: This page provides extensive information on how Part D works, particularly the standard drug benefit.

Low-Income Help: Part D has several levels of help for Medicare beneficiaries with limited resources. This page provides background pieces on the low-income subsidy and who might qualify, as well as what states can do to help people with limited resources.

Cronkite Video: Families USA produced this video, titled "The Problems with the Medicare Drug Program—and How to Fix Them," which is hosted by Walter Cronkite.

Legislation and Background: This page provides detailed information on the legislation, regulations, and select CMS guidance on program operations; Families USA background information, including replays of our conference calls for advocates, as well as information on our Medicare Road Show; and other reports and resources from Families USA.