Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare offers prescription drug coverage to everyone with Medicare Part A and Part B. To get drug coverage, you must join a plan run by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare. Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered.

You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare drug plan at any of the following times:

• When first eligible for Medicare - the 7-month period beginning 3 months before the month you turn age 65, including the month you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65.  If you choose to enroll after your initial eligibility period, you may pay a penalty for late enrollment.

• Annual Open Enrollment – Open enrollment begins and ends earlier in 2011:  October 15 through December 7.  Your coverage will begin on January 1 of the following year.  Plans can change, and it is important to review your plan each year during open enrollment to be sure it continues to be the best plan for you. For help comparing plan costs, visit www.medicare.gov and select "Compare Drug and Health Plans."

• Special Enrollment Periods - when certain events happen in your life, such as if you move or you lose other insurance coverage.

Exact coverage and costs are different for each Medicare drug plan, but all plans must provide at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare.

If you have limited income and resources, there may be help available to pay for Part A and/or Part B expenses.

Visit www.MyMedicare.gov to view the current Medicare and You handbook. You can also sign up to receive future handbooks electronically.