I barely take any medications — do I still need Part D?

Usually yes, because going without creditable drug coverage triggers a permanent late penalty if you need it later. A low-cost plan now protects you from a lifelong surcharge — we'll find the least expensive way to stay covered.

What is the Part D late-enrollment penalty?

If you go 63 or more days without creditable drug coverage, Medicare can add roughly 1% of the national base premium per month you went without — permanently, for as long as you have Part D.

Is the "donut hole" still a thing?

The coverage gap still exists structurally, but the Inflation Reduction Act sharply reduced what you pay in it — and the new annual out-of-pocket cap (about $2,100 in 2026) means your total drug spending is now limited.

Can I change my Part D plan each year?

Yes — during the Annual Election Period, October 15 to December 7. It's worth doing: formularies and prices change every year, so last year's best plan may not be this year's.

Are you connected to Medicare or the government?

No. Mere Benefits is a private, independent agency and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We don't offer every plan available in your area — to review all your options, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.

How much does it cost to work with Mere Benefits?

Nothing extra. Plan prices are set by the carriers and are identical whether you enroll on your own or with a licensed agent — we're paid by the carriers, so our guidance is free to you.

How do I get started?

Call or text (904) 654-5450, email info@merebenefits.com, or use our contact form. We'll set up a relaxed, no-pressure conversation — in person on the First Coast, or by phone and video.

Are you independent, or tied to one insurance company?

Independent. We aren't captive to a single insurer, so we compare the options across the carriers we represent and recommend what fits you — not what pays us most.

Will I have to change doctors?

Not if we can help it. Before recommending a plan we confirm your doctors are in-network and your prescriptions are covered, so keeping your care is part of the decision.

Can you help by phone and video, or only in person?

Both. We meet clients in person across Northeast Florida and Camden County, GA, and serve all 11 of our licensed states by phone and video.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans

Name: Mere Benefits
Address: 9428 Baymeadows Rd. STE 137, Jacksonville, FL, 32256, US
Telephone: (904) 654-5450
Price range: Free consultation

What Part D covers

Part D is prescription drug coverage sold by private insurers approved by Medicare. It covers brand-name and generic medications based on the plan's formulary (drug list). You can get it as a standalone plan alongside Original Medicare, or bundled into a Medicare Advantage plan (called an MA-PD).

The four coverage stages

Part D costs move through four stages during the year, and where you are determines what you pay:

Deductible — you pay full price until you meet the plan's annual deductible (up to about $615 in 2026).
Initial coverage — you pay copays or coinsurance and the plan pays the rest.
Coverage gap — the old "donut hole." Under the Inflation Reduction Act, your costs in this phase are now sharply reduced.
Catastrophic — once you hit the annual out-of-pocket cap, you pay $0 for covered drugs the rest of the year.

The out-of-pocket cap is a big deal

There's now a hard annual cap on what you pay out of pocket for covered Part D drugs — about $2,100 in 2026 — ending the era of unlimited exposure for people on expensive medications. You can also spread that spending across the year in monthly installments through the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. If you take high-cost drugs, this changes the math on which plan is right for you.

Your drug list is the whole game

Two plans with similar premiums can differ by thousands of dollars a year once you account for how each covers your specific medications. When we compare plans for you, we check four things: that your drugs are on the formulary (and on a low tier), that your preferred pharmacy is in-network, the true total cost (premium + deductible + copays — not just the premium), and the plan's Medicare star rating. We run your exact list through every available plan to find the lowest total annual cost — it's part of our free service.

Standalone vs. bundled — and Extra Help

A standalone Part D plan pairs with Original Medicare + Medigap and lets you choose your drug coverage independently. An MA-PD bundles drugs into your Advantage plan for convenience, but ties you to that plan's formulary and pharmacy network.

If your income and resources are limited, you may qualify for Extra Help (the Low-Income Subsidy) — a federal program that pays part or all of your Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or ask us to check whether you qualify.