MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE - MEDICARE PART D | UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)
Provides prescription drug coverage through plans offered by private companies for people eligible for Medicare.
Data provided by
211 Cleveland
Physical Address
7500 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21244
Hours
Phone for recorded information or to talk to a customer service representative 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. May also go to Web site anytime for information.
Voice
Voice
Website
Application process
Individuals may enroll three months before through three months after their 65th birthday or wait for open enrollment. Those with disabilities may enroll three months before through three months after the 25th month of cash disability payments from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). Open enrollments are held the last six weeks of the year, from October 15 to December 7 each year. Sign-up is through the plan provider, but the Medicare web site or help line has links and numbers for all providers. Dual-Eligibles can change plans monthly, but any changes will not start until the first day of the following month. Those who are on Medicare only can change plans during the open enrollment period. In some cases, plans may be switched anytime if entering or exiting a nursing home or moving. Go to the Web site to compare plans using the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder or phone for information.
Fee
Monthly premiums and drug co-payments/co-insurance vary by plan. A deductible for prescription costs also applies. Those with lower incomes and assets may receive extra help in paying for the plan (ask about the Low Income Subsidy) and those on both Medicaid and Medicare will not have any monthly cost for a plan UNLESS they choose a plan that has a higher monthly premium than allowed. Medicare/Medicaid eligible individuals will also receive their prescription drugs at a reduced fee. People covered by Medicare who choose not to sign up for the coverage during their designated enrollment period, will face an extra premium charge of at least 1% per month for each month they delay (those with current drug coverage that is at least as good as Medicare's coverage, and those eligible for Low Income Subsidy/Extra Help, will not incur an extra charge).
Eligibility
Medicare recipients. This is an optional program for all except those eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare.
Agency info
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)
Administers federal health and human services programs nationally. Works cooperatively with state, local, and tribal governments. Operating divisions include National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Indian Health Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.