Medicare Part D

Authored By: Center for Medicare Advocacy

Prior to 2006, Medicare paid for some drugs administered during a hospital admission (under Medicare Part A), or a doctor’s office (under Medicare Part B). Medicare did not cover outpatient prescription drugs until January 1, 2006, when it implemented the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, authorized by Congress under the "Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003." This Act is generally known as the "MMA." This website provides a detailed description of Part D, the decisions that need to be made and the issues to watch for.

Last Review and Update: May 07, 2012
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