MEDICARE PART D: PRESCRIPTION DRUG INSURANCE

Enrollment in a Prescription Drug Plan

Enrollment Options are:

• Paper application through drug plan listed or through local insurance agent
• Online through the insurance company's Web site
• Online through the Medicare website at http://www.medicare.gov
• Over the phone at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) TTY 1-877-486-2048

Without Penalty

• For those persons already with Medicare Part A and/or Part B - Initial enrollment in Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Insurance occurred January 1- May 15, 2006. Annual enrollment is Nov.15 to Dec. 31.
  
• For those enrolling in Medicare for the first time - Three months before their birthday, the month of their birthday, and three months after their birthday is the time period to enroll.
  
• For those receiving either full or partial ‘extra help' (having qualified on the basis of income and asset levels), enrollment takes place from November 15 – December 31 annually.
  
• For those receiving ‘extra help' and the state pays the Medicare premium or if an enrollee in both Medicare and Medicaid , enrollment is open every month; coverage starts the first day of the following month.

With Penalty

You will pay 1% per month times the average national premium to get Medicare Part D. Unless you are receiving ‘extra help' or are new to Medicare, you can enroll only during the annual open enrollment period from November 15 through December 31. Thus, you could be paying a penalty for multiple months should you decide to enroll to receive prescription drug insurance after the deadlines indicated.

For more information, consult ExEx 14088: “How to Enroll in Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Insurance after May 15, 2006 .”

More Information

Important Dates
Get Help
Already Enrolled or Not Taking Prescription Drugs
Getting ‘Extra Help' — qualifications & application
Keeping Your ‘Extra Help'
Two Types of Prescription Drugs Plans
Personalized Prescription Drug Insurance Coverage
Plan Finder Comparison Tool
Plan Restrictions
Bar Graphs of Monthly Costs
Payment of Premiums
Enrollment — with and without penalty
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