Wellcare Value Script PDP 2026 | Costs, Coverage & Who It’s Best For

For 2026, the Wellcare Value Script (PDP) plan has changed in an important way. It has merged with the older Wellcare Medicare Rx Value Plus plan. If you were on that plan before, you were likely moved to Value Script automatically.

This plan continues to be one of the lowest-cost standalone Medicare Part D plans available. It works best if you mainly take generic maintenance medications and want to keep your monthly premium as low as possible.

2026 Plan Overview at a Glance

This plan is a good fit if you want simple and affordable prescription coverage.

• Best for
  You take mostly generic drugs from Tier 1 or Tier 2.

• Star rating
  3.5 out of 5 stars, which is average to above average.

• Pharmacy network
  Nationwide coverage with preferred pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, and many grocery stores.

• Key benefit
  You pay $0 copay for Tier 1 preferred generic drugs at preferred pharmacies.

1. 2026 Premiums and Costs

Monthly Premium

• Varies by state and location

• In many areas, the cost is around $0.00 to $5.70 per month

Important reminder:

• Even if your plan premium is $0, you still must pay your Medicare Part B premium

Annual Deductible

• $615, which is the standard Medicare Part D deductible for 2026

What this means for you:

• The deductible usually does not apply to Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs

• You get immediate coverage for common generics

• You usually pay the deductible only for Tier 3, Tier 4, or Tier 5 drugs

2. Copays and Drug Tiers for 2026

Costs may vary slightly by state, but this is the typical structure.

Drug Tier Breakdown

• Tier 1: Preferred Generic

  • Preferred pharmacy: $0

  • Standard pharmacy: about $10 to $15

• Tier 2: Generic

  • Preferred pharmacy: $5 to $10

  • Standard pharmacy: about $15 to $20

• Tier 3: Preferred Brand

  • Preferred pharmacy: 15% to 25% coinsurance

  • Standard pharmacy: 25% coinsurance

• Tier 4: Non-Preferred Brand

  • 36% to 50% coinsurance

• Tier 5: Specialty Drugs

  • 25% coinsurance

• Insulin

  • Covered insulin capped at $35 per month

Mail Order Option

• Tier 1 drugs are often available for $0 for a 90-day supply

• Mail order is handled through Express Scripts

3. What Changed for 2026

Several updates may affect you this year.

Plan Merger

• If you were enrolled in Wellcare Medicare Rx Value Plus, you were likely moved into Wellcare Value Script

Formulary Changes

• Some brand-name drugs may no longer be covered the same way

• High-cost drugs like Humira may be replaced with biosimilars, which are lower-cost alternatives

Catastrophic Coverage Update

• Because of the Inflation Reduction Act

• Once your out-of-pocket drug costs reach about $8,000

• You pay $0 for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year

4. Pros and Cons of Wellcare Value Script 2026

Pros

• Very low monthly premium, often the lowest in many areas

• $0 copays for Tier 1 generic drugs

• Insulin costs capped at $35 per month

• Strong nationwide pharmacy network

Cons

• High deductible for brand-name drugs

• Coinsurance for Tier 3 and Tier 4 drugs can get expensive

• Prior authorization is common for higher-cost medications

Final Verdict: Is This Plan Right for You?

This Plan Is a Good Choice If

• You take common generics such as:

  • Metformin

  • Lisinopril

  • Atorvastatin

  • Levothyroxine

• You want the lowest possible premium

• You rarely use brand-name medications

This Plan May Not Be a Good Choice If

• You take expensive brand-name drugs like:

  • Eliquis

  • Xarelto

  • Certain inhalers

• Those drugs fall under Tier 3 or Tier 4

• The deductible and coinsurance could cost you more than a higher-premium plan with flat copays, such as Wellcare Classic or AARP UnitedHealthcare

Helpful External Resources

• Medicare Part D plan details:
  Medicare.gov Prescription Drug Plans

• Wellcare official site:
  Wellcare Medicare Plans

• Compare Medicare plans:
  Medicare Plan Finder

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FAQs

1. Is Wellcare Value Script the same as Value Plus in 2026?
Yes. Value Plus merged into Value Script for 2026.

2. Do you really pay $0 for generic drugs?
Yes, for Tier 1 preferred generics at preferred pharmacies.

3. Does the $615 deductible apply to generics?
Usually no. Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs have immediate coverage.

4. Is insulin capped at $35 every month?
Yes, for covered insulin under Medicare Part D rules.

5. Can brand-name drugs become expensive on this plan?
Yes. Coinsurance and the deductible can add up quickly for Tier 3 and Tier 4 drugs.

6. Should you switch plans if you take brand medications?
Often yes. A higher-premium plan with better brand coverage may cost less overall.