Answer:

Prescription insurance, often referred to as a prescription drug plan, is an insurance policy that covers all or part of the cost of prescription medications. Prescription drug plans can be purchased on an individual basis or can be offered as part of a group-sponsored health benefit package. Most health insurance plans have provisions for prescription drugs. However, if your current health insurance policy provides insufficient prescription drug coverage, or if you have no drug coverage at all, you may wish to consider a prescription drug plan as a supplemental source of protection.

It is important to note that some prescription insurance plans are true "insurance plans" where you pay a deductible and/or a co-payment for prescriptions. Others are merely discount programs where you pay for the drug yourself but at a lower price. The cost of prescription insurance varies, depending upon the plan that you choose and your individual circumstances. Prescription insurance plans that are purchased on an individual basis are generally more costly than those that are offered through a group-sponsored plan.

Many prescription drug plans have a mail service component that allows participants to have prescription drugs delivered by mail. This service is often used for "maintenance" medications (drugs that are used on a daily or routine basis). Some plans offer even greater discounts on prescription drugs ordered through the mail.