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Who can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage?
Any person who is entitled to benefits under Medicare Part A or who is enrolled in Medicare Part B is eligible for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. You must first be covered by Medicare Part A (hospital care) or Medicare Part B (medical care). In order to get Part D prescription drug coverage, you must join a prescription drug plan (a PDP) that is available where you live.
I don't take any prescription drugs now. Why would I want to join a Medicare prescription drug plan?
Medicare prescription drug coverage provides greater peace of mind by protecting you from unexpected drug expenses. Even if you don't use a lot of prescription drugs now, you should still consider joining. As we age, most people need prescription drugs to stay healthy. For most people, joining now means protection from unexpected prescription drug bills in the future. If you do not join a Medicare prescription drug plan when you first become eligible for Medicare, you will pay a penalty when you do decide later to enroll in a Medicare prescription plan. And, you will pay an increased monthly premium for your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
When can I sign up for my Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage?
Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage begins on January 1each year. Many people with Medicare have already signed up for the coverage by joining a prescription drug plan. Each year during the time period of November 15 through December 31, you will be able to join a plan, drop a plan, or change plans for the coverage period beginning January 1.
If I will soon turn 65 and I want to sign up for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, do I have to wait until November 15 through December 31?
No. If you are turning 65 you may join a Medicare prescription drug plan during the time that is called your "Initial Coverage Election Period" for both Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D. This period includes the three months before your birth month, your birth month, and three months after your birth month.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage?
No. Enrollment in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan is voluntary. However, if you do not join a Medicare prescription drug plan when you first become eligible for Medicare, you will pay a penalty when you do decide later to enroll in a Medicare prescription plan. And, you will pay an increased monthly premium for your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
What if I have prescription drug coverage from an employer or union?
If your employer or union plan covers as much as or more than a Medicare prescription drug plan, you can:
- Keep your current drug plan. If you join a Medicare prescription drug plan sometime in the future, you will not pay a monthly penalty.
- Drop your current drug plan and join a Medicare prescription drug plan. However, you may not be able to get back into your employer or union drug plan if you change your mind.
If your employer or union plan covers less than a Medicare prescription drug plan, you can:
- Keep your current drug plan and join a Medicare prescription drug plan to give you more complete prescription drug coverage.
- Keep your current drug plan without joining a Medicare prescription drug plan. However, if you join a Medicare prescription drug plan later, you will have to pay a monthly penalty.
- Drop your current drug plan and join a Medicare prescription drug plan. However, you may not be able to get back into your employer or union drug plan if you change your mind.
My income is very limited. It will be hard for me to pay the premiums and deductible in a Medicare prescription drug plan. Is there any extra help for me?
People with limited income and resources (including assets such as savings and other investments) may be able to get extra help paying for prescription drugs. You may get an application in the mail from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for extra help paying for a Medicare prescription drug plan. It is very important that you fill out this application and return it to the SSA. If you don't get an application in the mail, and you think you may qualify for this help, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778.) You can also visit www.socialsecurity.gov on the web. SSA's application process provides you with the quickest decision. You can also go to your State Medical Assistance office to apply.
If you have additional questions, please go to the "Contact Us" page to find out where you can direct your questions.
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