Which Medicare part is specifically designated for prescription drug coverage?

Medicare Part D is specifically designated for prescription drug coverage. This part of Medicare was introduced to help beneficiaries afford the cost of medications. Part D provides a variety of plans offered by private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare, which helps to subsidize the cost of prescription drugs based on the individual's needs and the formulary offered by the selected plan. This is particularly essential for Medicare beneficiaries who may require ongoing medication, as it helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for their prescriptions.

The other parts of Medicare serve different purposes: Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B covers outpatient services, preventive care, and some physician services. Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, combines both Part A and Part B coverage and often includes additional benefits not covered in the original Medicare plan, but it does not specifically address prescription drug coverage, which is the sole focus of Part D.