The prescription drug coverage provided by Medicare is available to everyone who is covered by Medicare. Late enrollment penalties may apply if you don’t enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) when you’re first eligible if you don’t have other acceptable prescription drug coverage or if you don’t receive Extra Help from the government.

An insurance company or other commercial company that is approved by Medicare is the only way to acquire Medicare drug coverage. Each plan has its own price and prescription coverage options.

If you want drug coverage, you can do one of two things.

The Prescription Drug Program of Medicare (Part D)

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), such as an HMO or PPO, or other Medicare health plan that provides coverage for prescription medications.

To learn more about these two choices, go to Medicare.gov or dial 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can dial 1-877-486-2048 to reach us.

Who is eligible for Medicare Prescription Drug Plans?

• You can only sign up for these plans or make adjustments to your existing coverage during certain times of the year. You have the following options when it comes to your Medicare prescription drug plan: When you reach the age of 65 and become eligible for Medicare. During your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before the month in which you turn 65 and ends three months following the month in which you turn 65, you can enroll in a Medicare drug plan. In most circumstances, coverage begins on the first day of your birthday month if you sign up during the first three months of your Initial Enrollment Period. A person’s coverage begins the month before his or her actual birthdate if his or her actual birthdate falls on a weekend or holiday. The start date of your coverage will be delayed if you enroll in the month you turn 65 or during the last three months of your Initial Enrollment Period.
• You can sign up for a Medicare drug plan during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from April 1 to June 30. The first of July marks the beginning of your protection.
• Every year, from October 15 to December 7 is open enrollment. If your request is received by the plan during Open Enrollment, your coverage will begin on January 1, the following year.
• If you are eligible for Extra Help, you can receive it at any time. To assist those with low incomes and resources with the expenditures associated with their Medicare prescription medication plan, Extra Help is a Medicare program that offers financial assistance.
• When specific life events, such as a move or the loss of another form of insurance, occur. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) designate these windows of opportunity for behavior modification (SEPs). Each SEP has its own set of rules regarding when and how you can make changes.

Find out when you can join, switch or discontinue a Medicare medication plan by visiting the Medicare.gov website or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (Medicare).