Do I need drug coverage with my Medicare supplement plan?

Who is this for?

If you're considering a Medicare supplement plan, also known as a Medigap plan, this explains what you need to know about prescription drug coverage.

Medicare supplement plans don't include prescription drug coverage.

You'll need a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if you:

  • Have a plan purchased after 2006.
  • Are shopping for a plan now.
  • Purchased a plan before 2006 that has drug coverage that doesn't meet today's standards.

Don't go without Part D prescription drug coverage. You may have to pay a penalty for each month you lack drug coverage, or have drug coverage that doesn't meet certain standards.

Learn more by reading How do Medicare Part D prescription drug plans work?

Important information about your plan

The Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays listed are based on the 2023 numbers approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. You can go to any hospital, doctor or other health care provider in the U.S. or its territories that accepts medicare. You don't have to use our network. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan administers Blue Cross medicare Supplement plans. Where you live, your age, gender and whether you use nicotine products (including e-cigarettes, vaping, and nicotine patches or gum) may affect what you pay for your plan. Your health status may also affect what you pay. This is a solicitation of insurance. We may contact you about buying insurance. Blue Cross Medicare Supplement plans aren't connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. 

If you're currently enrolled in Plan A or Plan C, you can stay with your plan as long as you pay your premium. You may enroll in Plan C if you've lost coverage under a group policy after becoming eligible for Medicare. You're also eligible if you had Plan C, then enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and now would like to return to Plan C. You can do this as long as it's within the first 12 months of your Medicare Advantage plan. You're automatically eligible for Plan A if you're 65 or older. If you're under age 65, you are eligible for Plan A if you've lost coverage under a group policy after becoming eligible for Medicare. You can also enroll if you had Plan A, then enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and now would like to return to Plan A. You can do this as long as it's within the first 12 months of your Medicare Advantage plan. You'll need to meet these requirements to apply for these plans.