The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan
This is a new payment option offered by all plans with Medicare prescription drug coverage. It lets you spread your costs for covered prescription drugs over the rest of the plan year. There’s no cost to join. And you don’t have to sign up if you don’t want to.
Here’s how it works
If you decide to join the program, we’ll bill you each month for your share of the cost of your covered drugs. You will no longer pay the pharmacy directly.
Remember: You won’t pay for your drug at the pharmacy. But you’ll still have to pay your share of the drug’s cost.
Will the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan help you?
Will the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan help you?
It depends. This payment option might help you manage your monthly expenses. But it won’t save you money or lower your drug costs.
You’re more likely to benefit from the payment plan if you have high cost-share drugs early in the plan year. You may not benefit if you have drugs with a $0 or low cost share, or if you take the same drugs every month.
To find out if you’re likely to benefit from this payment option, answer a few questions on Medicare.gov
Is your income limited?
If it is, the Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) may be a better option for you. The program was expanded in 2024. So, if you weren’t eligible for Extra Help in the past, you may be now.
You can learn more about the program in our Medicare Extra Help FAQ.
You can also view this video from Aetna SilverScript to learn more about how the program works.
Understanding the new Medicare Payment Prescription Plan (Aetna)
Want to opt in to the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan?
Want to opt in to the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan?
If you’re a current member, log in to your secure member website to opt in.
- Does your plan have medical and prescription drug coverage? Choose MAPD log in.
- Does your plan cover just prescription drugs? Choose PDP log in.
Rather opt in by phone? Call us at the number on your member ID card. You can opt out online or by phone, too, at any time.
What happens when you opt out?
You’ll pay for any future drugs you pick up at the pharmacy. And you’ll have to pay the remaining balance for any drugs you got while you were in the Medicare Prescription Payment plan. We’ll bill you each month for the remaining balance. Or you can pay the full balance at any time.
Think we made a mistake with your bill? If so, you have the right to follow our grievance process.