The Affordable Care Act (ACA) doesn’t directly cover all prescription drugs. Instead, it expands health insurance coverage, thereby increasing access to prescription drug coverage through marketplace plans.
Marketplace plans offer various levels of prescription drug coverage. The specific drugs covered and the cost-sharing (copays, deductibles) vary significantly depending on the plan you choose. Check the formulary–a list of covered medications–for each plan before enrolling.
Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs for seniors and some people with disabilities, was improved by the ACA. It features a coverage gap (also known as the “donut hole”) which has been gradually shrinking since the ACA’s passage, lowering out-of-pocket costs for many beneficiaries.
Medicaid expansion under the ACA significantly broadened access to prescription drug coverage for low-income adults. Eligibility requirements vary by state. Check your state’s Medicaid website for details.
Finding affordable options requires research. Compare plans carefully, considering your specific medications and health needs. Use the healthcare. gov website or your state’s health insurance marketplace to compare plans and their formularies. Consider using a prescription discount card if your plan doesn’t cover your medication or if the cost-sharing is high. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential lower-cost alternatives.
