Now that you are turning 65, you will be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Plan.

What is Medicare prescription drug coverage?
When am I eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage?
What are the next steps?
How to Determine the Plan that’s Right for You

What is Medicare prescription drug coverage?
Medicare prescription coverage provides protection to those who have high drug costs and includes brand-name and generic drugs at participating pharmacies in your area. Even if you do not spend a lot of money on prescription drugs, please keep in mind that Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage is a prescription drug insurance plan. This means that you will be covered and will not have to worry about the high cost of prescription drugs when you need them.

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When am I eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage?
You are eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage at 65 years of age or if you have been notified of a start date for Medicare Part A or are enrolled in Medicare Part B.

You may join a Medicare plan 3 months prior to your 65th birthday, during your birthday month, or 3 months after you turn 65. If you do not enroll in a Medicare prescription plan during your initial enrollment period, your next opportunity to enroll will be November 15, 2010 through December 31, 2010 (the annual open enrollment period). If you miss this annual open enrollment period, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

You may enroll in the Part D plan for the 3 months after you receive notification of Medicare Part A due to a disability.

If you did not enroll and feel that you qualify for Medicare and did not sign up during the annual coordinated enrollment period, please see the criteria for Special Enrollment.

Enroll Now!

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What are the next steps?
Once you are eligible for Medicare, you need to review the programs available and determine the best plan to fit your needs. To get Medicare drug coverage, the plan you choose must be a Medicare drug plan. Choosing the program that’s right for you is a big decision.

The best way to start is to gather your own personal information and use the tools on this site to help you determine which prescription drug plan might best fit your needs. If you haven’t already determined whether you are eligible for the additional subsidies available to people with limited income and resources, refer to the eligibility requirements at http://www.socialsecurity.gov.

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How to Determine the Plan that’s Right for You
Here is the information you will need before you select your plan:

  • List of pharmacies where you prefer to shop.
  • List of the prescription drugs that you currently take or anticipate taking in the upcoming year based on recent health diagnoses. You may wish to consult with your physician to help you with this.

Estimated cost of prescription drugs that you currently take or plan to take in the upcoming year (Our Monthly Budget and Plan Selection Tool can help you determine these costs if you don't know them).

Even if you do not spend a lot of money on prescription drugs at this time, please keep in mind that the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage is a prescription drug insurance plan.

This means that you will be covered and will not have to worry about the high cost of prescription drugs when you may need them. All of the prescription drugs you purchase through your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan are provided to you at negotiated discounted rates. You are eligible to receive a cost savings that you may not otherwise get without this coverage. To assure that you are covered and don’t incur the late enrollment penalty, it’s best to learn which plan is best for you now and enroll before the deadline.

Contact Us if you have questions about eligibility, plans offered, or if you would like to enroll.

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