Medicare Part _______ was created to provide coverage for both generic and brand-name drugs.

Medicare Part D was specifically established to cover prescription medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs. This part of Medicare is designed to help beneficiaries manage the costs associated with their medications, providing them with the option to select a plan that best fits their health needs. Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, and they typically include a formulary, which is a list of covered drugs. Beneficiaries usually pay a monthly premium for this coverage, as well as additional costs like co-pays or co-insurance when they pick up their medications.

Understanding the other parts of Medicare can provide context on why Part D is distinctly focused on prescription drugs. For instance, Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and home health care, while Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and some medical supplies. Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, combines coverage from Parts A and B and may include additional benefits, but it does not specifically focus on prescription drugs unless it incorporates Part D. These distinctions highlight the unique role that Part D plays in the Medicare program in addressing the pharmaceutical needs of beneficiaries.