Medicare Part D Prescription Plans

When you are eligible for Medicare, you should also be eligible to get Medicare Part D prescription benefits as long as you are; a US citizen or US national, entitled to either Medicare Part A or Part B benefits, and live in a covered service area.

How To Get Medicare Part D Prescription Coverage

1. Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan
   Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription coverage are called; Medicare Advantage Prescription Drugs (MAPD) plans. You can enroll in these plans and avoid paying a monthly premium for Part D coverage.
2. Add Part D to Original Medicare
   Original Medicare does not cover prescriptions. You will need to enroll, add it as a stand alone plan to your coverage and pay a monthly premium. These premiums can be waived, or reduced if your qualify for Medicaid benefits as well. Check with your state's Medicaid department for eligibility requirements. In the state of California Medicaid is also called; "Medi-Cal".
3. Add Part D to Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)
   Prescription coverage is also not included when supplementing Original Medicare with Medigap Plans. You'll have to add Part D as a stand alone plan and pay a monthly premium in addition to your supplement plan's monthly premium.

When To Enroll In Medicare Part D Plans

In general, you may enroll in Medicare Part D or switch plans during these periods:

1. Initial Enrollment Period: (IEP)
   This is a seven-month period that includes the three months before, the month of, and the three months following your 65th birthday. Failure to enroll in a Part D plan during this period without any proof of credible coverage, can lead to a late enrollment penalty.
2. Annual Enrollment Period: (AEP)
   This is between October 15 and December 7 each year. Coverage begins the following January 1. During this period you can switch Part D plans from one carrier to another, or enroll in a MAPD plan with prescription coverage included, or switch from a MAPD plan to Original Medicare with a stand alone Part D plan.
3. Special Enrollment Period: (SEP)
   These are periods triggered by events mostly out of your control such as: loss of credible coverage, permanent move out of a covered service area, moving into an institution like nursing home or assisted living etc. You can enroll in Part D plans during these periods anytime through out the year.

Understanding Medicare and Enrollment Help

Understanding all these Medicare parts and enrollment rules can be confusing and complex, which is why our agents at Limeret insurance services will step in and help you figure all this at no cost. We always look forward to working with seniors living in these states; California, Arizona, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and Florida.