Medicare
MAPD (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug)
MAPD plans combine the hospital, medical, and drug benefits of Medicare Parts A, B, and D into one integrated plan from a private insurer.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology
Definition
A Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan is the most common type of Medicare Advantage plan, integrating Parts A, B, and D coverage into a single private health insurance product. Because MAPD plans include Part D drug benefits, beneficiaries enrolled in an MAPD plan generally cannot also enroll in a separate stand-alone Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). MAPD plans coordinate medical and pharmacy benefits, which can streamline care management but also means drug formularies, networks, and cost-sharing are managed together by one insurer. In 2026, the Part D out-of-pocket cap of $2,100 applies to MAPD plan drug costs, providing meaningful protection for beneficiaries with high medication needs. MAPD plans must cover all Part D-required drugs and cannot discriminate by restricting formulary access based on health status. Star Ratings issued by CMS evaluate MAPD plans on both clinical quality metrics and member experience, with ratings influencing plan bonus payments and special enrollment opportunities.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team
Editorial Lead
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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