When did Medicare Part D take effect?

Medicare Part D took effect in 2006, which is significant as it introduced a prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries. This program was designed to help seniors and individuals with disabilities afford their medications, which was a critical step in expanding healthcare coverage for this population. Medicare Part D operates through private insurance plans that provide coverage for outpatient prescription drugs. The implementation of this program marked a major change in Medicare, as it was the first time that a federal program included a comprehensive drug benefit, aiming to reduce the overall costs of medications for participants and improve their access to necessary treatments. This development reflects broader trends in healthcare policy focusing on medication affordability and access.