The prescription choice is part of the medical-plan decision.

MA is shorthand for Medicare Advantage. MA-PD describes a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D prescription coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans do not include Part D.

A plan without Part D does not create a pharmacy benefit from VA, TRICARE or CHAMPVA. You must independently have the relevant coverage and understand how to use it.

Medicare warns that joining a separate Medicare drug plan while enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan will, in most cases, end the Medicare Advantage enrollment and return you to Original Medicare. HMOs, HMO Point-of-Service plans and PPOs generally do not allow a separate drug plan; confirm the exact plan's rules before applying.

Some other plan types have different rules. Identify the exact plan type before changing drug coverage. This is a reason to check the full arrangement, not a reason to make a quick stand-alone Part D application.

TRICARE explains that TFL includes pharmacy coverage. VA says other prescription insurance prevents CHAMPVA beneficiaries from using Meds by Mail. VA users should separately review their own VA prescription pathway.

Compare each medication, prescriber, pharmacy and cost under the existing arrangement and the alternative. Retain creditable-coverage notices for future enrollment questions.