If you are a Medicare beneficiary on Original Medicare, you are eligible to enroll in a Part D plan to help cover the cost of your prescription drugs. However, since Part D is an optional part of Medicare that is sold by private insurers, you will not be automatically enrolled in a plan. To receive Medicare drug coverage, you need to find a suitable Part D provider and then enroll in a plan.

How to get Medicare Part D: finding a suitable plan

Medicare Part D plans are sold by Medicare-approved private insurers. These plans usually operate within a given service area, so you will need to identify a prescription drug plan that is available where you live. Keep in mind that if you want to enroll for Part D, you must first be a beneficiary of Original Medicare receiving Part A and Part B benefits.

You can use Medicare’s plan finder tool to find a Medicare Part D plan in your area. Before settling on a plan, it is best to compare costs and coverage benefits since they can vary from provider to provider. Also, ensure that you have checked the plan’s formulary to see what list of drugs are covered and if they will suit your medical needs. Alternatively, Hellahealth’s plan finder tool can help you get started in finding the best Part D plan based on your unique needs.

Enrolling in Part D Medicare: know when to sign up

Once you have found a suitable plan, there are three options available for enrolling in your preferred plan. Part D Medicare has specific enrollment periods during which you can enroll in a new plan or change from one plan to another.

·        Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

You can enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when you first become eligible for Medicare upon turning 65. This period of enrollment is referred to as the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). The IEP is a seven-month window beginning from three months before your 65^th birthday to three months after.

·        Annual Election Period (October 15 to December 7)

If you do apply for Part D Medicare when you first become eligible, you can do so during the annual enrollment period which runs from the 15^th of October to 7^th of December each year. This enrollment window is referred to as the annual election period.

·        Special Enrollment

Certain life events or changes in your status may make it possible to enroll for a Part D plan outside of the specified enrollment periods. For instance, Medicare may drop your plan provider or you may move to an area that is outside the service area of your Medicare Part D plan. In such circumstances, you can enroll in Part D under special enrollment.

How to apply for Medicare Part D online

To apply for Part D coverage online, you need to find a plan available in your area using a Medicare plan finder. Once you find your preferred plan, you can enroll on the Medicare website or the plan provider’s website.

When applying online through the Medicare plan finder, you will need to provide the following information:

·        Specify the type of coverage you want to enroll in – Part D

·        Enter your zip code and county

·        Indicate whether you get medical expenses from programs like Medicaid or Medicare Savings Program

·        Provide names of medications you take regularly

·        Choose up to five pharmacies in your area where you can fill your prescriptions

Once you have provided this information, Medicare will send you Part D plan options available in your area to choose from. You can then compare plans based on premiums, deductibles, and drug coverage. Once you find a suitable plan, you can click on the enroll button on the plan’s page to sign up.

If you are not comfortable enrolling online, you can also enroll directly with the plan provider by calling the insurer or calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).

Questions about Medicare?

Shoot us an email at medicare@hihella.com.