The Medicare Modernization Act, or MMA, was passed on December 8, 2003. Most notably, it established a voluntary drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries known as Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance coverage began January 1, 2006, for those who are eligible under Medicare. The coverage is not available directly from Medicare but is provided through private health insurance companies. Health plans have contracted with Medicare to provide this coverage to beneficiaries. 

As the most accessible health care provider, community pharmacists have played a vital role in informing and helping beneficiaries understand the Medicare Part D program. This Web site is designed to be the community pharmacist's one-stop source for information from CMS, tips and advice for working with Medicare plans, continuing education related to Medicare Part D, and information on helping your patients select and enroll in a Medicare plan that best meets their needs.