For 2026, the Wellcare Value Script (PDP) has undergone significant changes, most notably merging with the former “Wellcare Medicare Rx Value Plus” plan.
It remains one of the lowest-premium standalone prescription drug plans on the market, designed primarily for people who take generic maintenance medications.
At a Glance: 2026 Plan Highlights
Best For: People who take mostly generic drugs (Tier 1 & 2) and want the lowest possible monthly premium.
Star Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars (Average to Above Average).
Network: Nationwide coverage, including major preferred pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, and many grocery chains.
Key Feature: $0 Copay for Tier 1 preferred generic drugs at preferred retail pharmacies.
1. 2026 Costs & Premiums
Monthly Premium: Varies by state.
In many areas, it is approximately $0.00 to $5.70 per month.
Note: Even if the plan premium is $0, you must still pay your Medicare Part B premium.
Annual Deductible: $615 (Standard Medicare Part D deductible).
Important: The deductible usually does not apply to Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs. You get immediate coverage for these cheap generics. You generally only pay the deductible if you need Tier 3, 4, or 5 brand-name/specialty drugs.
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2. Copays & Drug Tiers
Costs can vary slightly by region, but the standard structure for 2026 is:
| Drug Tier | Drug Type | Cost (Preferred Pharmacy) | Cost (Standard Pharmacy) |
| Tier 1 | Preferred Generic | $0 | ~$10 – $15 |
| Tier 2 | Generic | $5 – $10 | ~$15 – $20 |
| Tier 3 | Preferred Brand | 15% – 25% Coinsurance | 25% Coinsurance |
| Tier 4 | Non-Preferred Drug | 36% – 50% Coinsurance | 36% – 50% Coinsurance |
| Tier 5 | Specialty Tier | 25% Coinsurance | 25% Coinsurance |
| Insulin | Covered Insulin | $35 max (per month) | $35 max (per month) |
Mail Order: Tier 1 drugs are often available for $0 for a 90-day supply through Express Scripts.
3. What Changed for 2026?
Plan Merger: If you were previously on “Wellcare Medicare Rx Value Plus,” you have likely been moved to this Value Script plan automatically.
Formulary Updates: There have been shifts in covered drugs. notably, high-cost brands like Humira may have been replaced by biosimilars (generic-like alternatives) on the formulary.
Catastrophic Coverage: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, once you reach the “Catastrophic Coverage” phase (after spending ~$8,000 out-of-pocket), you will pay $0 for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year.
4. Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Extremely low premium (often lowest in the area). | ❌ High Deductible ($615) for Brand names. |
| ✅ $0 Copays for common generics (Tier 1). | ❌ Coinsurance (percentage costs) for Tier 3 & 4 drugs can be expensive compared to flat copays. |
| ✅ Insulin Savings: Capped at $35/month. | ❌ Prior Authorization is common for expensive drugs. |
Verdict: Is it right for you?
YES, if: You take common medications like Metformin, Lisinopril, Atorvastatin, or Levothyroxine. You will likely pay close to nothing for your prescriptions and a very low monthly premium.
NO, if: You take expensive Brand Name medications (like Eliquis, Xarelto, or inhalers that are on Tier 3 or 4). The 17-25% coinsurance and the $615 deductible could end up costing you much more than a plan with a higher premium but better brand coverage (like the Wellcare Classic or AARP/UnitedHealthcare plans).
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