The total amount of beneficiaries receiving Montana Medicare Part D is 151,555. Of this number, 116,351 remain enrolled in a standalone Part D plan, while 41,046 residents remain enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan.

Medicare Part D plans in Montana

Part D plans exist in one of four subsections of Medicare. This Montana Medicare Part D plans cover prescriptions residents pick up at their pharmacies.

This guide will cover different Part D plans in which Montana residents may choose to enroll.

Part D plans with the lowest premium

While the lowest monthly premium shouldn’t be the only factor to consider, many Montana residents pick plans based on the lowest premium. The first plan we’ll investigate is Aetna, which carries a low monthly premium of $6.80. This three-star rated plan features a deductible of $480.

Humana features a much higher monthly premium of $22.70 alongside its $480 deductible. This plan also features a four-star rating, designating excellent coverage. However, while its premiums remain larger, most generic prescriptions cost four dollars or less using Humana.

Lastly, some residents choose UnitedHealthcare. UnitedHealthcare offers two distinctive differences from the other plans on this chart. First, while its premiums are the highest at $29.30, it has the lowest deductible of $310 and provides gap coverage.

PLAN PREMIUM DEDUCTIBLE STAR RATING GAP COVERAGE
Aetna $6.80 $480 3 No
Wellcare $10.60 $480 3 No
Clear Spring $16.60 $480 2 No
Humana $22.70 $480 4 No
UnitedHealthcare $29.30 $310 4 Yes

Part D plans with a zero-dollar deductible

Montana, Medicare Part D plans also include plans with a zero-dollar deductible. Although these plans carry higher premiums, you pay less when receiving coverage. Wellcare is the least expensive, with a monthly premium of $68.90.

Residents may also choose Aetna, which, unlike Wellcare, provides gap coverage. This plan features a monthly premium of $79.90. This plan also has a three-star rating, like most plans on this list.

MedicareBlue Rx is the final plan in the chart below. Although this plan has the highest premium of $116.10, it also has a four-star rating. With its four-star rating, which includes gap coverage, this plan strikes satisfaction for many Montana residents.

PLAN PREMIUM DEDUCTIBLE STAR RATING GAP COVERAGE
Wellcare $68.90 $0 3 No
Aetna $79.90 $0 3 Yes
UnitedHealthcare $97.00 $0 3 Yes
MedicareBlue Rx $116.10 $0 4 Yes

Part D plans with gap coverage

Many Montana residents prefer Part D plans with gap coverage. UnitedHealthcare is a four-star plan with a monthly premium of $29.30, alongside a $310 deductible. This plan covers medications and vaccines not covered by Part B Medicare.

Cigna has a higher monthly premium of $52 but a $100 deductible. This three-star rated plan is a top choice for many residents. Using this plan, expect to buy generic prescriptions for four to ten dollars.

By choosing Aetna, expect to pay monthly premiums of $79.90. While premiums are higher, this plan also features a zero-dollar deductible. This plan also provides a three-star rating.

PLAN PREMIUM DEDUCTIBLE STAR RATING GAP COVERAGE
UnitedHealthcare $29.30 $310 4 Yes
Cigna $52.00 $100 3 Yes
Aetna $79.90 $0 3 Yes
UnitedHealthcare $97.00 $0 3 Yes
MedicareBlue Rx $116.10 $0 4 Yes

Part D plans with a Low-income Subsidy

For Montana residents falling under a certain income threshold, additional help is available. In Montana, 30,731 beneficiaries remain eligible for a low-income subsidy Montana Medicare Part D plan.

Wellcare carries a monthly premium of $32.90 with a $480 deductible. This plan also features a three-star rating. Using this plan, expect most of your generic prescriptions to cost zero to four dollars.

Aetna is another popular choice. Residents using this low-income subsidy Part D plan pay a monthly premium of $34.80. Like the other plans on this chart, expect a deductible of $480.

The final plan we’ll explore is Cigna. Cigna features a monthly premium of $39.10 with a $480 deductible. This three-star rated plan dramatically reduces the cost of generic prescriptions.

PLAN PREMIUM DEDUCTIBLE STAR RATING GAP COVERAGE
Clear Spring $29.30 $480 2 No
Wellcare $32.90 $480 3 No
Aetna $34.80 $480 3 No
UnitedHealthcare $36.20 $480 4 No
Cigna $39.10 $480 3 No

Amount of Beneficiaries Falling Into Each Part D Coverage Phase in Montana

Part D plans come in different coverage phases, where costs go up or down. Then, during the donut hole phase, a plan reaches the limit of what it covers for your prescriptions. The numbers in the chart below contain the beneficiaries in each stage.

Deductible Phase Initial Coverage Phase Coverage Gap Phase Catastrophic Phase
61,597 53,373 15,423 10,947

Estimated Medicare Part D premiums for Montana cities

Estimated premiums for different Medicare Part D prescription drug plans for the cities listed below can be accessed via the accompanying charts linked below:

FAQs

What is required for Part D in Montana?

To be eligible for a Montana Medicare Part D plan, a resident must already have enrolled in Part A and Part B Medicare. Residents in Medicaid typically enroll in a Part D plan automatically and don’t need to pay premiums.

What does Part D include in Montana?

A Part D plan in Montana helps cover prescription drugs not provided by Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Medigap plan.

While all plans must cover certain medications (such as treatment for cancer or HIV), the medicines covered may vary with each program.

What happens if I don’t have Medicare Part D in Montana?

Many residents elect not to enroll in a Part D plan in Montana because they’re currently not taking any medications.

However, patients must pay higher out-of-pocket expenses if they need drugs and don’t have a Part D plan. Additionally, Part D plans carry late enrollment fees.

What drugs are not covered by Medicare Part D in Montana?

Some drugs remain excluded from coverage by law. Examples include drugs treating anorexia or weight gain for fertility, cosmetic purposes like hair growth, medications that treat erectile dysfunction, and over-the-counter medications.

How are Part D premiums determined in Montana?

Your income level determines your Part D premium in Montana. Along with four income brackets chosen by the Social Security Administration, additional premium charges may apply to higher incomes.

For individuals under $91,000 ($182,000 for couples), additional premiums don’t apply.

How to get help signing up for a Medicare Part D plan in Montana

No Medigap plans cover prescriptions, and only some Medicare Advantage plans do. Montana residents sign up for standalone Part D plans to prevent massive out-of-pocket expenses when buying medications. However, finding the right plan remains a challenge for many.

Our team helps pair residents with the right Part D plan that fits their medical needs and budget. We work with all carriers and offer our service free of charge.

So, call us today or fill out our online rate form to receive rates in your area of Montana.

Written By:
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Lindsay Malzone, Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com. She's been contributing to many well-known publications since 2017. Her passion is educating Medicare beneficiaries on all their supplemental Medicare options so they can make an informed decision on their healthcare coverage.
Reviewed By:
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Rodolfo Marrero, Rodolfo Marrero is one of the co-founders at Medigap.com. He has been helping consumers find the right coverage since the site was founded in 2013. Rodolfo is a licensed insurance agent that works hand-in-hand with the team to ensure the accuracy of the content.