What Is the Difference Between Medicare Part B and Part D Drugs?

Learn the key differences between Medicare Part B and Part D drug coverage, including settings and types of medications covered.

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Part B drugs are covered under Medicare’s medical insurance and typically include drugs administered in a doctor’s office or hospital outpatient setting, such as intravenous medications or certain oral cancer drugs. Part D drugs are covered under Medicare’s prescription drug plans, encompassing most retail prescription drugs given to patients to take themselves. The main difference lies in the administration and setting—Part B covers more immediate, professionally administered treatments, while Part D covers self-administered prescription drugs.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What type of drugs does Medicare Part B cover? Medicare Part B covers drugs that are administered by a healthcare professional, typically in a doctor's office or hospital outpatient setting, such as intravenous drugs and some oral cancer medications.
  2. Which drugs are included under Medicare Part D coverage? Medicare Part D covers most retail prescription drugs that patients take themselves, including medications for chronic conditions and everyday prescriptions.
  3. Can a drug be covered under both Medicare Part B and Part D? Generally, drugs are covered under either Part B or Part D depending on how they are administered. Part B covers professional administration in clinical settings, while Part D covers self-administered prescriptions.