How do Part D deductibles typically affect drug coverage within a PDP?

• A. Deductibles do not affect drug coverage.
• B. Deductibles are paid by the plan.
• C. If a plan has a deductible, the member pays drugs until the deductible is met, then coverage applies per the formulary.
• D. Deductibles apply only after catastrophic coverage.

Answer: (C)

Part D deductibles create an upfront out-of-pocket period before the plan starts sharing the cost of your drugs. If a plan has a deductible, you pay the full price of your prescriptions until you reach that deductible amount. After meeting the deductible, the plan’s coverage kicks in according to its formulary, with drugs priced according to the plan’s cost-sharing structure (copays or coinsurance) for each drug tier. Some plans may have no deductible, in which case you begin sharing costs according to the formulary from the first prescription. In the larger Part D structure, there are additional phases (initial coverage, coverage gap, catastrophic) that change how much you pay as spending progresses, but the deductible itself is the point at which plan coverage begins after you’ve paid enough out of pocket.