Best for $0 premiums: Wellcare Medicare Part D
Why we picked it: $0-premium plans may appeal to people on a fixed income or who are looking to minimize monthly medical costs.
Top quality measures that outperformed the national average
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Drug plan quality improvement.
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Call center foreign language interpreter and TTY availability.
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Statin use in persons with diabetes.
The bottom line: Wellcare has substantially expanded its $0-premium Medicare Part D plans in 2025, offering the Wellcare Value Script plan with $0 premiums in 42 states and Washington, D.C. And when it comes to quality, Wellcare’s star ratings beat every major national competitor.
Pros
- $0-premium plans available in most states.
- Star ratings beat other national competitors.
Cons
- Coinsurance rather than copays for brand-name drugs could get pricey.
- Wellcare Value Plus plan no longer has a $0 deductible for all covered drugs.
» MORE: Read our review of Wellcare Medicare Part D insurance
Best for member experience: Humana Medicare Part D
Why we picked it: Humana Medicare Part D plans significantly outscore all major national competitors on government ratings measuring members’ experience using the plans to get their medications.
Top quality measures that outperformed the national average
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Getting needed prescription drugs.
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Members’ rating of the drug plan.
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Medication therapy management program completion rate for enrollees who received a comprehensive medication review.
The bottom line: Humana holds onto solid star ratings in 2025 while many other companies’ scores have fallen. Its lower-cost Humana Value Rx plan offers more $0-copay and $0-deductible drug tiers than many competitors. Expensive premiums for the higher-end Premier Rx plan make that plan less competitive, however.
Pros
- High scores for member experience.
- Generous $0-copay and $0-deductible options.
Cons
- High prices for the higher-end Premier plan.
- Poor scores for accuracy of drug price estimates.
» MORE: Read our review of Humana Medicare Part D insurance
Additional Medicare Part D companies
These providers may not excel in one particular area but are solid overall and may be the right fit for your medications and needs.
AARP Medicare Part D Plans from UnitedHealthcare
Top quality measures that outperformed the national average
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Medicare plan finder price accuracy.
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Call center foreign language interpreter and TTY availability.
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Few complaints about the drug plan.
The bottom line: AARP Medicare Rx plans from UnitedHealthcare are widely available, and the higher-end Medicare Rx Preferred plan costs less than major competitors’ similar plans. But AARP/UHC’s 2025 star ratings are a little below average, and high premiums for the Medicare Rx Saver plan make it a less competitive option.
Pros
- Medicare Rx Preferred plan is less expensive than competing high-end plans.
- Simplified plan choices.
Cons
- Medicare Rx Saver plan is pricey for a lower-end plan.
- Below-average ratings for medication management.
- Only the higher-end Preferred plan has $0-copay options.
» MORE: Read our review of AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Part D insurance
December update
Medicare star ratings are typically released once per year, but CMS recalculated its 2025 star ratings for UnitedHealthcare in December 2024. Pursuant to a court order, CMS removed disputed data from the calculations. NerdWallet has updated this roundup accordingly.
Anthem Medicare Part D
Top quality measures that outperformed the national average
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Few members choosing to leave the plan.
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Medication therapy management program completion rate for enrollees who received a comprehensive medication review.
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Medication adherence for cholesterol (statins).
The bottom line: Anthem MediBlue Rx Medicare Part D plans have above-average ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Premiums are on the higher side, but Anthem’s Part D plans receive few complaints, and the plans score well for helping members get and take their medications.
Pros
- Members have few complaints and rarely choose to leave.
- Strong ratings for medication management.
Cons
- High premiums.
- Available in only 13 states.
» MORE: Read our review of Anthem Medicare Part D insurance
Cigna Medicare Part D
Top quality measures that outperformed the national average
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Medicare plan finder price accuracy.
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Drug plan quality improvement.
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Members’ rating of the drug plan.
The bottom line: Cigna Medicare Part D plans get slightly below-average star ratings in 2025. But Cigna also offers lower premiums than many competitors, especially for its low-cost Cigna Saver Rx plan. If a Cigna Medicare Part D plan covers your medications, it could be a good value.
Pros
- Cigna Saver Rx is one of the cheapest Part D plans available.
- Every Part D plan offers at least Tier 1 drugs with $0 copays.
Cons
- Star ratings are slightly below average.
- Lowest copays might require ordering 90-day supplies by mail.
» MORE: Read our review of Cigna Medicare Part D insurance
What’s the best way to compare Part D plans?
Unlike Medicare Part A and Part B, Part D plans are sold by private insurance companies, and the plans’ costs, benefits and other features can vary significantly. First, confirm whether a plan covers your prescription drugs, then consider each potential plan option’s strengths and weaknesses.
NerdWallet compares and chooses the best Medicare Part D plans based on factors including quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), prices, cost-sharing requirements, formulary design and more. The best plans offer lower costs and higher ratings for quality and member satisfaction.
Find the right Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
The interactive tool on Medicare.gov can help you find a Medicare Part D plan that covers your prescriptions. It also helps you compare costs among Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans available to you.
Here are some things to keep in mind when comparing plans:
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Check the formulary: You’ll want to make sure the medicines you currently take and, importantly, any you think you might need in the future, are covered under each of the plans you’re considering. Talk to your health care providers about what brand-name and generic medicines to look for and any alternatives that may also work in case you can’t find your current medicines on the plans available in your area.
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Look for plan changes: Formularies change frequently. Your insurer should send you a Notice of Plan Change when the formulary changes. Read that document carefully.
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Check the pharmacy network: Most Medicare Part D plans negotiate with a network of pharmacies for the lowest cost. Check to see if your pharmacy or an equally convenient one is in the plan’s network. Also, compare prices for using mail order.
If your plan does change, and the change affects the prescription drugs you need, you can switch plans during Medicare’s open enrollment period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Changes go into effect on the following Jan. 1.
» MORE: How much does Medicare Part D cost
You may be eligible for Medicare plans during a special enrollment period if you are turning 65, new to Medicare plans, moving or losing coverage.
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
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