• In 2021, 996 PDPs will be offered across the 34 PDP regions nationwide (excluding the territories). This represents an increase of 48 PDPs from 2020 (a 5% increase) and an increase of 250 plans (a 34% increase) since 2017 (Figure 1).

Figure 1: A Total of 996 Medicare Part D Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans Will Be Offered in 2021, a 5% Increase From 2020 and a 33% Increase Since 2017

The relatively large increase in the number of PDPs in recent years is likely due to the elimination by CMS of the “meaningful difference” requirement for enhanced benefit PDPs offered by the same organization in the same region. Plans with enhanced benefits can offer a lower deductible, reduced cost sharing, or a higher initial coverage limit. Previously, PDP sponsors were required to demonstrate that their enhanced PDPs were meaningfully different in terms of enrollee out-of-pocket costs in order to ensure that plan offerings were more distinct. Between 2018 and 2021, the number of enhanced PDPs has increased by nearly 50%, from 421 to 618, largely due to this policy change.

Beneficiaries in each state will have a choice of multiple stand-alone PDPs in 2021, ranging from 25 PDPs in Alaska to 35 PDPs in Texas (see map). In addition, beneficiaries will be able to choose from among multiple MA-PDs offered at the local level for coverage of their Medicare benefits.

Find out how to get Medicare drug coverage. Learn about Medicare drug plans (Part D), Medicare Advantage Plans, more. Get the right Medicare drug plan for you.

Overview of what Medicare drug plans cover. Learn about formularies, tiers of coverage, name brand and generic drug coverage. Official Medicare site.

Learn about the types of costs you’ll pay in a Medicare drug plan.

Learn about how Medicare Part D (drug coverage) works with other coverage, like employer or union health coverage.