How To Enroll In Medicare Part D
About Medicare Part D
You can add a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan through a private insurer like Anthem, after you enroll in Original Medicare Part A and/or Part B.
Medicare Parts A and B, also known as Original Medicare, do not cover prescription drugs (outside of medications prescribed to you during a hospital visit). For drug coverage, you need to choose a Medicare Part D plan.
Be sure to compare Medicare Part D plan costs before you enroll.
More Details On Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D is optional additional insurance for prescription drugs. Whether you're managing a health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure with regular prescriptions or you just need the occasional medication, Part D insurance can often save you money. Private insurers such as Anthem offer Medicare Part D, and they tend to have many choices in covered medications and pharmacies.
Medicare Part D Enrollment Periods
Initial Enrollment Period
Your first enrollment period for Medicare is called the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). That's a seven-month window that includes:
- Three months before you turn 65
- The month you turn 65
- Three months after you turn 65
During this time, you can apply for Part D coverage along with Medicare Part A and Part B. If you don’t have creditable prescription drug coverage from another source, such as an employer plan, you should consider enrolling in a stand-alone Prescription Drug (Part D) plan or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that includes Part D as soon as you’re eligible. If you don’t you may have to pay late enrollment penalties added to your plan’s monthly premium.
Annual Enrollment Period
You still can add Part D coverage after your IEP. You can make changes to your plan, including adding coverage, during the Annual Enrollment Period, which is October 15 to December 7.
Compare Medicare Part D Plans Before You Enroll
You have many options for prescription drug coverage, so there are a few things to consider when you're comparing Medicare Part D plans:
- Look for plans with generic prescription drug tiers, as generics often cost less than brand-name prescription medicines.
- Know how much you will pay in copays and coinsurance; basically, what you pay when you pick up your medicine at the pharmacy.
- Know and compare your monthly premiums and annual deductibles. Don't forget to include Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles so you know your complete healthcare expenses.
- Make sure the plan you select covers the medications you use. All Part D plan providers include a formulary or list of medications covered.
- See if your Part D plan includes a pharmacy network. You may pay less by picking up your medications from in-network pharmacies.
Avoiding The Medicare Part D Penalty
If you don’t sign up for a Part D plan when you’re first eligible, or you’ve gone 63 days or more without creditable drug coverage after your IEP, you’ll pay a monthly late enrollment Medicare Part D penalty while you have Part D coverage. While the fee is typically only a few dollars each month, it can add up over time.
Prescription Drug Coverage Through A Medicare Advantage Plan
Another way to receive prescription drug coverage is through a Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MAPD) plan, which combines Part C and Part D. These comprehensive plans are available through Medicare-approved private insurers like Anthem. Many of the plans include prescription drug coverage, plus many other benefits.
These one-stop-shop plans may include dental care, vision care, hearing care, and wellness and fitness memberships, along with prescription drug coverage. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drugs (which most do), you don't need a separate Part D plan.
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Read Our Other Medicare Articles
Medicare Part D Enrollment
What is the Part D Coverage Gap?
Medicare Part D Plans
What Is Original Medicare Part A And Part B?
What Is Medicare Part D?
Why Choose Anthem?
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a D-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield depends on contract renewal.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a PDP plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield depends on contract renewal.