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.
If you get Medicare due to a disability, you can join during the 3 months before to 3 months after your 25th month of disability.
Annual Open Enrollment - November 15 through December 31 of 2010 (these dates will change in 2011). Your coverage will begin on January 1 of the following year, as long as the plan gets your enrollment request by December 31. 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 Medicare Prescription Drug Plans."
Between January 1 and March 31 of each year if you already have Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Anytime if you qualify for Extra Help or if you have both Medicare and Medicaid.
Special Enrollment Period, for example, if you move out of your plan's service area, lose other creditable prescription drug coverage, or live in an institution.
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.
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