People With Medicare

What changes will there be with my drugs?

Will I get different drugs because I have Medicaid?

Plans must give the same benefits to everyone who enrolls in the plans. This means they also have to cover the same drugs for everyone.

Will I be able to get my drugs with these plans?

The drug plans have to cover two drugs in every category of drugs. They will cover drugs used to treat common conditions, but they do not have to cover every drug that is made.

That means that they may cover the type of drug you are taking, but not the exact drug that you are taking. You should review which drugs the plans in your area cover. Try to join a plan that covers the drugs you take now.

Will Medicaid pay for my drugs if the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage does not?

It depends on the drug that you are taking and whether the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage covers other drugs of the same type.

  • If Medicare covers the type of drug you are taking but not the exact brand, Medicaid will not pay for it.
  • There are some drugs that Medicare cannot cover because of the law. Examples are prescription vitamins and drugs that treat weight loss or weight gain. Some state Medicaid programs may cover some or all of the few drugs the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage does not cover.   
  • Your state may cover some drugs for people who get Medicaid but don’t have Medicare. If your state covers the kind of drug you are taking, then Medicaid must cover that drug for you.

Call your State Medical Assistance Office for more information.

NEXT: Will the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage change the other help I get?