What is the purpose of a PDP?

A PDP, or Prescription Drug Plan, is specifically designed to provide prescription drug coverage to beneficiaries who are enrolled in Original Medicare. While Original Medicare covers hospital and medical care, it does not include coverage for outpatient prescription medications. This is where a PDP comes into play; it fills this gap by offering a way for beneficiaries to manage their medication costs more effectively.

By adding a PDP to their Medicare coverage, enrollees can access a range of medications at lower out-of-pocket costs than they would face without the plan. This coverage is essential for individuals who require ongoing medications, ensuring they can obtain necessary prescriptions without overwhelming financial burden.

The other options mentioned do not accurately represent the function of a PDP. While financial assistance for medical procedures is important, it falls outside the scope of what a PDP offers, focusing instead on medications. Covering medical costs not included in Medicare does not relate to the specific function of PDPs, which are limited to prescription drugs. Additionally, a PDP does not replace Medicare's coverage; instead, it complements it by addressing a critical area that Original Medicare does not cover.