Which program is only offered through private companies approved by Medicare that provides prescription drug coverage?

The program that provides prescription drug coverage through private companies approved by Medicare is known as Medicare Part D. This program was established to help beneficiaries cover the cost of prescription medications, which are not covered under Medicare Parts A and B.

Part D plans are available through various private insurance providers that have been approved and certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Beneficiaries can compare different plans to find the one that best fits their needs in terms of premiums, coverage, and the medications included in the formulary.

Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital services, while Part B covers outpatient services, including doctor visits and preventive care. Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is a type of plan that includes both Part A and Part B coverage, often with additional benefits, but it does not specifically focus on prescription drug coverage like Part D does. Thus, Part D is distinct in its specific aim to address the need for affordable prescription medication for Medicare beneficiaries.