Medicare Part D Late Fee Penalty Waived in 2007 for Those with Low Income
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-02-09 15:10:45.530611-05:00
People who don't enroll in Medicare Part D when they first qualify can face a penalty if they join a Part D plan later on. Medicare waived this penalty in 2007 for people who apply and qualify for the Extra Help program. Extra Help pays most or all of Part D's premiums, co-payments and deductibles for people with limited incomes and resources.
In two easy steps, you can get Part D coverage and start saving on your prescription drugs. First, check with Social Security to see if you qualify. If you do, you should apply for Extra Help. Second, once you receive notice that you are eligible for Extra Help, you should enroll in a private Part D prescription drug plan.
Certain other groups are also exempt from the late fee, such as people who qualify for Medicare for the first time in 2007 and enroll in a drug plan during their initial enrollment period.
For more information about the Extra Help program, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1214 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
preview