Is Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Mandatory? 
Medicare prescription drug coverage is not mandatory , but it is very wise to have a plan if you 're on Medicare . Please note , if you do not get prescription drug coverage when you are first eligible for Medicare , you may be subject to a late enrollment penalty if you decide to purchase it in the future instead -LRB- the penalty can be waived in certain instances such as if you are coming off of group coverage -RRB- . A great , very popular Medicare coverage structure to have is original Medicare -LRB- your Part A & Part B coverage -RRB- , a Medicare supplement plan -LRB- to cover the all or a portion of the gaps in original Medicare - 20 % of your health expenses -RRB- , and a standalone Part D plan to cover prescription drugs . I hope the information is helpful - please feel free to contact me for help with your Medicare supplement program and if you have any other questions . Thanks very much . 