Best for low premiums: Wellcare Medicare Part D
3.5 CMS Star Rating Wellcare’s Part D plans are inexpensive, and their quality ratings have improved significantly since previous years. from askchapter.org Out-of-pocket costs Varies Member experience 4.0 (Above average) Out-of-pocket costs Varies Member experience 4.0 (Above average) Pros Cons
Wellcare
Top quality measures that outperformed the national average:
Call center foreign language interpreter and TTY availability.
Getting needed prescription drugs.
Drug plan quality improvement.
Standout feature: Wellcare has the least expensive Medicare Part D plans on the market in 2024. In some locations, there’s even a Wellcare option with a $0 premium.
» MORE: Read our review of Wellcare Medicare Part D insurance
Best for member satisfaction: AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Part D
3.28 CMS Star Rating AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Part D plans are widely available and get average quality ratings from CMS. Premiums can get expensive, however, and ratings for helping members with their medications aren't as strong. Out-of-pocket costs Average Member experience 2.94 (Average) Out-of-pocket costs Average Member experience 2.94 (Average) Pros Cons
AARP/UnitedHealthcare
Top quality measures that outperformed the national average:
Drug plan quality improvement.
Call center foreign language interpreter and TTY availability.
Medicare plan finder price accuracy.
Standout feature: AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Part D plans get few complaints, have few members that choose to leave and outperform several competitors on surveys about members’ experience with the plan.
» MORE: Read our review of AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Part D insurance
Additional Medicare Part D companies
Humana Medicare Part D
3 CMS Star Rating Humana Medicare Part D plans tend to cost more than competitors' offerings, and they have average star ratings from CMS. Humana outperforms competitors on foreign language interpreter and TTY availability in call centers, but falls behind on most other quality measures. from askchapter.org Out-of-pocket costs Varies Member experience 2.5 (Below average) Out-of-pocket costs Varies Member experience 2.5 (Below average) Pros Cons
Humana
Top quality measures that outperformed the national average:
Call center foreign language interpreter and TTY availability.
Few complaints about the drug plan.
Drug plan quality improvement.
Summary for 2024: Humana gets middle-of-the-road star ratings for its Medicare Part D plans in 2024. Prices are generally on the high side, but they can vary between states. Humana’s call center got top ratings for foreign language interpreter and TTY availability, so it could be a good option for members who might need those services.
» MORE: Read our review of Humana Medicare Part D insurance
Aetna Medicare Part D
3 CMS Star Rating Aetna no longer has the lowest Part D premiums on the market (that's Wellcare for 2024), but its prices are still lower than most, and some of its out-of-pocket costs have come down. The company gets average star ratings from CMS. from askchapter.org Out-of-pocket costs Average Member experience 2.5 (Below average) Out-of-pocket costs Average Member experience 2.5 (Below average) Pros Cons
Aetna
Top quality measures that outperformed or tied the national average:
Call center foreign language interpreter and TTY availability.
Few members choosing to leave the drug plan.
Medication adherence for cholesterol (statins).
Summary for 2024: Aetna’s biggest differentiator in previous years has been its rock-bottom premiums, but Wellcare undercuts Aetna’s prices in 2024. Aetna’s premiums are lower than most other competitors, though, and some of its copays and deductibles are lower than in the past. Star ratings for 2024 are average.
» MORE: Read our review of Aetna Medicare Part D insurance
Cigna Medicare Part D
2.73 CMS Star Rating Cigna's quality ratings from CMS are lower for 2024, and all of its 2024 plans are at least 33% more expensive than the 2023 versions. But Cigna performs well on certain measures of customer experience, and all plans still have $0-copay options for Tier 1 drugs. from askchapter.org Out-of-pocket costs Average Member experience 3.68 (Above average) Out-of-pocket costs Average Member experience 3.68 (Above average) Pros Cons
Cigna
Top quality measures that outperformed or tied the national average:
Medicare plan finder price accuracy.
Rating of drug plan.
Medication adherence for cholesterol (statins).
Summary for 2024: All of Cigna’s Medicare Part D plans are significantly more expensive in 2024, and their quality ratings from CMS have declined. But they beat many competitors on certain measures of member experience, and $0-copay options for Tier 1 generic drugs could be attractive.
» MORE: Read our review of Cigna Medicare Part D insurance
Find the right Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
The interactive tool on Medicare.gov can help you find a Medicare Part D plan that covers your prescriptions. It also helps you compare costs among Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans available to you.
Here are some things to keep in mind when comparing plans:
Check the formulary: You’ll want to make sure the medicines you currently take and, importantly, any you think you might need in the future, are covered under each of the plans you’re considering. Talk to your health care providers about what brand-name and generic medicines to look for and any alternatives that may also work in case you can’t find your current medicines on the plans available in your area.
Look for plan changes: Formularies change frequently. Your insurer should send you a Notice of Plan Change when the formulary changes. Read that document carefully.
Check the pharmacy network: Most Medicare Part D plans negotiate with a network of pharmacies for the lowest cost. Check to see if your pharmacy or an equally convenient one is in the plan’s network. Also, compare prices for using mail order.
If your plan does change, and the change affects the prescription drugs you need, you can switch plans during Medicare's open enrollment period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Changes go into effect on the following Jan. 1.
» MORE: How much does Medicare Part D cost
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visitMedicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
Medicare Part D plan review methodology
NerdWallet’s Medicare Part D reviews are based on ratings data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), pricing, cost-sharing requirements, formulary design, consumer experience and more.
NerdWallet reviewed seven Medicare Part D insurance companies based on highest enrollment and greatest online search volume. Together, these seven companies cover just under 90% of Medicare beneficiaries with stand-alone Medicare Part D plans, according to CMS data. We review at least five major Medicare Part D companies in every state in the United States.
These reviews are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several plans to find the best coverage and rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines for additional information.
