Enrolling in Medicare Part D
Who can enroll in Medicare Part D
Anyone who has Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) is eligible for Medicare Part D. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and you pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. You can wait to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan if you have other prescription drug coverage but, if you don't have prescription coverage that is, on average, at least as good as Medicare prescription drug coverage, you will pay a penalty if you wait to join later. You will have to pay this penalty for as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage.
How to Enroll in Medicare Part D
Once you choose a Medicare drug plan, you may be able to join by completing a paper application, calling the plan, or enrolling online. Medicare drug plans aren't allowed to call you to enroll you in a plan.
Contact the plan to find out how you can join. When you join a Medicare drug plan, you will have to provide your Medicare number and the date your Part A or Part B coverage started. This information is on your Medicare card. Click here to find Medicare Part D plans in your area.
When to Enroll in Prescription Drug Coverage
Each year, you have a chance to make changes to Medicare prescription drug coverage for the following year. This period is known as the Annual Election Period. This is the only time an individual eligible for Medicare can apply, change or opt out of a Medicare Part D plan.
