How to Enroll
You can enroll in a Medicare drug plan several different ways.
If you have decided on a plan, you can enroll by:
- Going to Medicare’s website.
- Calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
- Calling the drug plan sponsor directly.
- Signing up on drug plan sponsor’s website.
- Sending a paper application to the drug plan sponsor.
If you need more help with choosing or enrolling in a plan, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Unless you are newly qualified for Medicare, you’ll likely have to wait until November 15-December 31 each year to enroll in a plan. A late enrollment penalty may apply if you were eligible to sign up earlier, but didn’t.
However, you may still be able to enroll in a drug plan outside this time period, if you:
- Are newly eligible for Medicare. You can enroll up to three months before or no later than three months after the month you become eligible.
- Apply and qualify for “Extra Help”in 2006. You can enroll in a plan up to December 31, 2006 without paying a late enrollment penalty.
- Lose coverage that is at least as good as Medicare’s from another source (such as an employer or union) through no fault of your own or if this coverage changes so that it is no longer as good as Medicare’s.
- Move into – or out of – a long-term care facility such as a nursing home.
- Have been living in another country since the end of the last open enrollment period and move back to permanently live in the U.S.
There are time limits surrounding some of these events; call Medicare to learn more.
Additional Resources
The Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration or your state and local Medicaid office can determine whether you are eligible for help with paying for Medicare Part D deductibles, premiums, and copays. Applying online is the fastest way to find out if you’re eligible or you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
Medicare
Medicare has a plan finder tool to help you find a drug plan that meets your personal needs. Medicare representatives are also available to help on the telephone at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048)
