Before you can sign up for a Medicare Part D plan, you will need to find one that’s right for you. You can easily do so through the official Medicare plan finder. There are many ways and times throughout the year for you to sign up for a Medicare Part D plan. These enrollment times are often shared with Medicare Parts A, B and C as well.
The easiest way to sign up for Medicare Part D is using the Medicare plan finder that was previously mentioned. However, you’re also able to enroll by calling Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227. Or if you already know the plan you would like to join, you can call them directly. You are also able to complete a paper enrollment form if you prefer to do so.
When Can You Sign Up for Medicare Part D?
There are multiple enrollment periods throughout the year during which you can sign up for a Part D plan or make changes to your existing plan. These periods are as follows.
Initial Enrollment Period
The initial enrollment period is unique to each person. It consists of a six-month period of enrollment, for those who qualify for Medicare, beginning three months before a person turns 65 years old and ending three months after the person has turned 65 years old.
Open Enrollment Period
The open enrollment period occurs every year from October 15th through December 7th. During this time, you are able to join, drop or make changes to a Medicare plan. This includes Medicare Part D plans. These changes will take affect on January 1st as long as your request is received by December 7th.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
The Medicare Advantage open enrollment period begins on January 1st and ends March 31st. This period is for those who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan rather than the Original Medicare. However, it is similar to the normal open enrollment period in the way that you are able to change your existing plan, switch to a new plan or join a Part D plan.
Special Enrollment Period
There may be other circumstances where you’re unable to wait until one of these open enrollment periods begin. In these cases, Medicare does offer Special Enrollment Periods. These special circumstances may include if you change where you live, the loss of current coverage, and if your plan changes its contract with Medicare.
It is also important to note that if you don’t enroll in a Part D plan when you’re first eligible, then you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
What Is Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B don’t typically cover the costs of most prescription drugs, which is why many people typically sign up for a Medicare Part D plan in addition to Parts A and B. Medicare Part D helps you manage the costs of your prescription drugs through presenting Medicare beneficiaries with a variety of approved drug plans from private insurance companies.
How Much Is Medicare Part D Every Month?
The monthly premium for a Medicare Part D plan varies plan by plan. For an easy at-a-glance price comparison, we recommend the Medicare plan finder mentioned at the beginning of this article. As previously mentioned, if you do not sign up for a Part D plan when you are first eligible and then decide to enroll later, you may be subject to the late enrollment penalty.
You can have your Plan D premium deducted from your monthly Social Security payment.
Do You Have to be Enrolled in Medicare Part D?
No, you do not need to be enrolled in Medicare Part D. If you have drug coverage from a different provider that Medicare deems creditable, then there is no need to sign up for a Part D plan. However, if you do not have any sort of drug coverage plan then you will be wholly responsible for the costs of your medications.
Where Can I Find a Primary Care Physician Who Accepts Medicare Patients?
Once you have Medicare, you’ll want to find a primary care doctor near you who takes your insurance.
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