Final answer:
To get prescription drug coverage under original Medicare, you need to enroll in Medicare Part D, which comes with an annual premium and deductible. The government then pays most prescription drug costs beyond the deductible, up to a coverage limit.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you choose original Medicare and need additional drug coverage, you will need to sign up for Medicare Part D, which is a prescription drug plan. Medicare Part D requires you to pay an annual premium and deductible, after which the federal government covers 75 percent of your prescription drug costs up to a certain limit.
Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B, does not include prescription drug coverage. This gap became apparent as it did not cater adequately to the needs of the elderly and disabled, who often require multiple prescription drugs. To address this, the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 introduced a prescription drug benefit, making Medicare Part D available. Furthermore, enrolling in Medicare Part D offers some discount on prescription drugs with the aid of a discount card program, saving roughly 15 to 25 percent annually.
The implementation of the prescription drug benefit in 2003 after endorsement by President George Bush significantly impacted the cost structure of Medicare. Despite its high cost and various criticisms, this addition primarily aimed to support the elderly with their health care needs. The influence of groups like the American Association for Retired People (AARP) played a critical role in pushing political support for enacting the prescription drug benefit, reflecting the significant advocacy for senior citizens' health coverage.