Part D Drug Plans 2026: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Medicare Part D is designed to help with the cost of prescription drugs, but it can get confusing quickly. Every year people make the same mistakes when choosing a plan. The good news is that you can avoid them if you know what to look out for. Let’s break it down in plain language — just like a neighbor would explain it.
Mistake One: Assuming All Plans Cover All Drugs
Not every Part D plan covers every medication. Each plan has its own formulary — a list of covered drugs. Some drugs may be excluded, or they may fall into a higher tier with bigger copays.
Example
If you take a brand-name cholesterol medication, one plan may charge you $10 while another plan charges $90. The difference is the formulary.
How to avoid it
Check your drug list against the plan’s formulary every year before enrolling.
Mistake Two: Ignoring Preferred Pharmacies
Plans often have preferred pharmacy networks where you get the lowest prices. Filling your prescriptions at a non-preferred pharmacy can double or triple your costs.
Example
At a big box pharmacy your copay may be $45, while the same medication at a local preferred pharmacy could be $10.
How to avoid it
Confirm that your favorite pharmacy is preferred for your plan. If it is not, ask if you are open to switching to save money.
Mistake Three: Forgetting About Prior Authorizations
Some medications require prior authorization — meaning your doctor has to get approval before the plan will cover it. This is common with expensive or specialty medications.
Example
You may pick up your prescription only to be told it is “not covered” until prior authorization is complete. This can cause frustrating delays.
How to avoid it
Ask if your medications require prior authorization under the new plan year. If they do, talk with your doctor’s office in advance so paperwork is ready.
Mistake Four: Choosing the Lowest Premium Only
It is tempting to pick the cheapest monthly premium. But lower premiums can mean higher deductibles, higher copays, or fewer covered drugs.
Example
You save $15 a month on the premium, but end up spending $500 more in drug costs for the year.
How to avoid it
Look at the total cost — premiums plus deductibles plus copays.
Mistake Five: Not Reviewing Annually
Part D plans change every year. Formularies, costs, and pharmacies may shift. Just because your plan worked in 2025 does not mean it will be the best in 2026.
How to avoid it
Always review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and compare plans during Annual Enrollment.
Florida Example
In Volusia County, one plan may work well for someone using Halifax Health pharmacies, while a neighbor in Ormond Beach may find their costs double because their pharmacy is not preferred. Even within the same county, drug coverage can look very different.
FAQs
Q: What is the deductible for Part D in 2026
A: The standard deductible is capped at 615. Some plans may charge less or waive it altogether.
Q: Will insulin still be capped in 2026
A: Yes, insulin will remain capped at no more than 35 dollars per month.
Q: Can I keep my old plan if it worked well this year
A: You can, but remember plans change formularies and pharmacies annually. It is always smart to compare.
Bottom Line
The biggest mistake with Medicare Part D 2026 plans is assuming your coverage will stay the same. Formularies, pharmacies, and costs shift every year. A little homework now saves big money later.
Send me your med list for a review and I will help you find the plan that covers your prescriptions at the lowest cost.
