US Medical Term · insurance
Creditable Coverage
Cobertura Acreditable
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Creditable Coverage |
| Spanish (Español) | Cobertura Acreditable |
| Chinese (中文) | 可计入保险记录的保险 |
| Korean (한국어) | 적립 가능한 보장 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Bảo hiểm đủ điều kiện |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Katanggap-tanggap na Saklaw |
| Portuguese (Português) | Cobertura Creditável |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ความคุ้มครองที่เทียบเท่า |
| Japanese (日本語) | 認定保険 |
What it means
Creditable coverage refers to prescription drug or health coverage that is at least as good as Medicare's standard coverage for the same benefit type. The concept matters most for Medicare Part D drug coverage: if you delay enrolling in Part D but had creditable drug coverage elsewhere—such as from an employer plan, TRICARE, or the VA—you will not face a late enrollment penalty when you eventually join. Your employer or plan must send you a written notice each year stating whether your drug coverage is creditable. If you receive a notice saying your coverage is not creditable, you should seriously consider enrolling in Medicare Part D during your next special or open enrollment period to avoid a permanent penalty.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My employer sent me a letter saying my drug plan is creditable coverage for Medicare.
Mi empleador me envió una carta diciendo que mi plan de medicamentos es cobertura acreditable para Medicare.
I avoided the Medicare Part D penalty because I had creditable coverage from my VA benefits.
Evité la penalización de la Parte D de Medicare porque tenía cobertura acreditable de mis beneficios de VA.
Keep your creditable coverage notice in case Medicare asks for proof later.
Guarde su aviso de cobertura acreditable en caso de que Medicare solicite una prueba más adelante.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026