Effective with the implementation of Medicare Part D on January 1, 2006, recipients of both Medicare and Medical Assistance (MA) who are enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan will not receive prescription drug coverage through MA. Individuals will choose the Medicare Part D plan most benefiting their own prescription needs.
If the individual chooses a prescription plan at or below the national average, also referred to as the “benchmark” then the individual will not pay the premium. If the individual chooses a plan with a premium above the “benchmark”, then the individual will be responsible to pay the difference.
The 2026 "benchmark" is $32.71.
The 2025 “benchmark” was $48.36.
Updated May 19, 2026, Replacing March 10, 2025