When Is the Right Time to Enroll in Medicare Part D?
To get the most out of the Medicare Part D, you must follow certain rules set by the program. For example, you must enroll at a particular date and if you want to change your plan, you must do it on a certain date.
Take a look at some vital dates for modifying or adding your Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Part D enrollment
You can enroll in Medicare Part D every year between April 1 and June 30. You can still enroll in Medicare Part D, if you are under Medicare parts A or B. All you have to do is enroll between April 1 and June 3p the first time. You can only change your Part D plans when open enrollment is available.
Open enrollment
Generally, the open enrollment period is between October 15 and December 7. If you are qualified during this period, you can:
- Change Part D plans
- Apply for a plan that offers prescription coverage
- Leave Part D coverage. If you don’t have prescription coverage, you may be penalized for dropping Part D coverage.
General enrollment/Medicare Advantage open enrollment
You can shift or leave Medicare Advantage plans with Part D coverage [5] or enroll in original Medicare (parts A and B) between January 1 and March 31. If you possess original Medicare, you may not be able to join a Part D plan during this period. You can contact your insurance company or where you bought your coverage you find out more information about enrollment periods for Medicare part D coverage.