Short answer: yes—but not always in the same way. You can have drug coverage (Part D) together with Medicare Advantage (Part C) if your Medicare Advantage plan includes drug benefits (that’s called an MA-PD). What you generally cannot do is buy a stand-alone Part D plan while you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. Below, we break down exactly when you can (and can’t) combine them—and how to choose the right setup for your situation.
Quick refresher: What are Part C and Part D?
- Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): Private plans that replace Original Medicare (Part A & B) and often add extras like dental/vision and sometimes built-in drug coverage. Formats include HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNP, and MSA.
- Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan, PDP): Stand-alone drug coverage you add to Original Medicare (and in a few specific cases, to some Part C plans that don’t include drug benefits).
When you can have both
| Your setup | Can you have drug coverage? | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage with drug coverage (MA-PD) | ✅ Yes | You get Part D inside your Part C plan. No separate PDP needed. |
| Original Medicare (A & B) + stand-alone Part D (PDP) | ✅ Yes | This is the classic pairing: keep Original Medicare and add a PDP. |
| Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) plan + stand-alone Part D | ✅ Yes | MSA plans can’t include drug coverage, so you’re allowed to add a PDP. |
| Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage | ✅ Yes | If the PFFS plan has no drug benefits, you may add a stand-alone PDP. |
When you cannot combine them
- Already in an MA-PD (a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage)?
❌ You cannot add a separate stand-alone Part D plan—doing so would cause a conflict and you’d typically be disenrolled from one of the plans. - In an HMO or PPO Medicare Advantage plan that does not include drug coverage?
❌ You generally cannot add a stand-alone PDP to those plan types. If you need prescriptions covered, switch to an MA-PD or back to Original Medicare + PDP (timing rules apply—see enrollment windows below). - Medigap (Supplement) + Medicare Advantage together?
❌ Not allowed. Medigap only works with Original Medicare, not with Part C.
Which combo fits your needs?
Use these fast decision paths:
- You want all-in-one coverage with prescriptions:
Choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D (MA-PD). - You prefer maximum flexibility in seeing providers, and you want drug coverage too:
Stay with Original Medicare and add a stand-alone PDP. (Optionally add a Medigap policy to help with Part A/B costs.) - You’re considering an MSA plan:
Pair it with a stand-alone PDP, since MSAs don’t include drug coverage. - You’re eyeing a PFFS plan without drug coverage:
You may add a stand-alone PDP—a unique exception among Medicare Advantage types.
Watch out for the Part D Late Enrollment Penalty
If you go without creditable drug coverage for 63+ days after you’re first eligible for Part D, you could owe a permanent monthly penalty when you later sign up. Creditable coverage usually means employer/union plans, VA, TRICARE, or an MA-PD. When in doubt, ask the plan for a creditable coverage notice.
Enrollment windows that matter
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Surrounds your 65th birthday (or Medicare eligibility). You can enroll in Part C and/or Part D here.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Oct 15 – Dec 7 each year. Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, add/drop Part D, or change MA-PD plans. New coverage starts Jan 1.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP): Jan 1 – Mar 31. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different MA plan or go back to Original Medicare and add a PDP.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Triggered by events like moving, losing employer drug coverage, qualifying for Extra Help, or plan changes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a stand-alone Part D plan to any Medicare Advantage plan?
No. You can add a PDP only if you’re in Original Medicare, an MSA, or a PFFS plan without drug coverage. If your MA plan already includes drug coverage (MA-PD), you can’t add a separate PDP.
If my Medicare Advantage plan doesn’t include drug coverage, should I switch?
If it’s an HMO/PPO without drug coverage and you need prescriptions covered, the cleanest fix is to switch to an MA-PD during an eligible enrollment window (or go back to Original Medicare + PDP).
Do Special Needs Plans (SNPs) include drug coverage?
Most SNPs (C-SNP, D-SNP, I-SNP) do include Part D, but always confirm plan details and your existing drug coverage status to avoid penalties.
What if I have VA or employer drug coverage?
If your coverage is creditable, you may not need Part D now. Keep your creditable coverage notice and revisit options during AEP or if your status changes.
How we help you choose (quick checklist)
- Med list & pharmacies: We check each plan’s formulary and preferred pharmacy network.
- Doctors & hospitals: We verify in-network access for your providers (or out-of-network rules if considering PPO/PFFS).
- Total annual cost: We compare premiums, deductibles, copays/coinsurance, and your drug costs across plans.
- Penalties & timing: We protect you from late penalties and plan conflicts.
- Extra benefits: We weigh dental, vision, hearing, OTC, transportation, and fitness perks where relevant.
Get unbiased help at no cost
We’re Medicare Advisors, a licensed Medicare insurance broker. We compare plan options across top carriers and help you enroll in the right configuration—Original Medicare + Part D, MA-PD, MSA + PDP, or PFFS + PDP—based on your prescriptions, doctors, and budget.
- 🌐 Learn more: Medicare Advisors
- ☎️ Call us: +1 (877) 255-0284
- ✉️ Email: info@mymedicareadvisors.com
Disclaimer: Medicare rules can be complex and vary by location. We’re here to help you understand your options—this article is for general education and isn’t legal or tax advice.
