How to Slash Medicare Part D Prescription Costs in 2026
The $2,000 out-of-pocket cap is now in effect. Plus GoodRx, Mark Cuban Cost Plus, and pharmacy choice can cut more.
The 2026 Part D cap
Out-of-pocket prescription costs are now capped at $2,000/year for Medicare Part D enrollees. Once you hit it, the rest of the year's covered drugs are $0.
You can also smooth payments ($167/month max) instead of paying all at once.
Choosing the right Part D plan
Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder every fall. Enter your medications and it ranks plans by total annual cost (premium + copays + deductible). The cheapest premium is almost never the cheapest plan overall.
Beyond insurance — when cash is cheaper
For some generics, paying cash beats using insurance:
- Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company — wholesale prices on hundreds of generics. Often 30–90% cheaper.
- GoodRx and SingleCare — coupon apps; show at pharmacy counter.
- Costco pharmacy — public can use without membership; lowest cash prices in the industry.
- Amazon Pharmacy — competitive cash and insurance pricing, home delivery.
Mail-order through your Part D plan
90-day mail-order supplies are typically cheaper than 3 separate 30-day fills at retail.
Extra Help / LIS
Low-Income Subsidy ("Extra Help") cuts Part D premiums and copays for those below ~$23k single / $31k couple. Now easier to qualify after recent expansions. Apply at ssa.gov/extrahelp.
Bottom line
In 2026 no Medicare beneficiary should pay more than $2,000/year on prescriptions, and many should pay far less by combining Part D, Cost Plus, and pharmacy shopping. Re-shop your Part D plan every fall during open enrollment.