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Prior authorization explained without the jargon: how Medicare Part D drug coverage decisions actually get made, what changes in the rules mean for you, and how the tools payers use stack up.

Academy

How-to guides, deep dives and definitive explainers
A completed prior authorization form on a desk, ready to send to a Part D plan
Academy

The Prior Authorization Form: Which One You Need

Which prior authorization form do you need for a Medicare Part D drug? The plan’s form, the CMS model form, and a worked example of the decision deadline.

9 min read
An insulin pen and diabetes medication kit in an explainer asking: does Medicare cover Mounjaro?
Academy

Does Medicare Cover Mounjaro? The 2026 Answer by Use

Does Medicare cover Mounjaro? Usually yes for type 2 diabetes under Part D, subject to plan rules. Not for weight loss alone.

8 min read
An insulin pen and diabetes medication kit in an explainer asking: does Medicare cover Ozempic?
Academy

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic? The Honest Answer

Does Medicare cover Ozempic? Yes for type 2 diabetes, subject to plan-specific prior authorization — almost never for weight loss alone under Part D.

11 min read
Medicine bottles organised on a pharmacy shelf, illustrating Medicare drug tiers in Part D
Academy

Medicare Part D Drug Tiers Explained: A Tier-by-Tier Guide

Medicare drug tiers explained: what tiers 1-5 cover, how cost-sharing and prior authorization change by tier, and how to request a tier exception.

9 min read
A senior couple reviewing a prior authorization denied letter at their kitchen table
Academy

Prior Authorization Denied? What to Do Next

Prior authorization denied for your Medicare Part D drug? Here's the appeal ladder, the deadlines, and why appealing is usually worth it.

9 min read
An older pharmacy customer discussing step therapy medication options with a pharmacist
Academy

Step Therapy Explained: What It Means and What to Do Next

What is step therapy? A practical guide to how it works in Medicare Part D, what your prescriber must submit, and how to avoid common mistakes.

8 min read
A clinician in a white coat writing a supporting statement for a formulary exception at a desk
Academy

How to Request a Formulary Exception: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to request a Medicare Part D formulary or tier exception: the steps, the deadlines, what your prescriber must write, and how long approval lasts.

9 min read
A healthcare professional reviewing a medical form during the prior authorization process
Academy

The Prior Authorization Process, Step by Step

The Medicare Part D prior authorization process, step by step: exact deadlines, what a denial means, and how to appeal before the 60-day window shuts.

10 min read
A pharmacist selecting a medication bottle from a pharmacy formulary shelf
Academy

What Is a Formulary? The Complete Medicare Part D Guide

What is a formulary? A guide to how Medicare Part D drug lists are built, what tiers and restrictions mean, and how to find your plan's version.

11 min read
A prescriber reviewing a signed prescription slip for what is prior authorization
Academy

What Is Prior Authorization? A Plain-English Guide

What is prior authorization? A plain-English guide to how it works for Medicare Part D, the deadlines involved, and what happens if you're refused.

10 min read
A pharmacist reviewing a prescription and asking: how long does prior authorization take?
Academy

How Long Does Prior Authorization Take?

How long does prior authorization take? Medicare Part D sets 72-hour and 24-hour deadlines, but real-world data shows why the wait is often longer.

8 min read

News

Timely analysis of rule changes and industry moves

Reviews

Evaluations of the tools payers and pharmacies use

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