Join a Medicare drug plan (Part D)

Who should use this procedure

Use this route when you want prescription drug coverage with Original Medicare or another Medicare arrangement that permits a separate drug plan. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, check that plan before enrolling because joining a separate drug plan can change or end some Medicare Advantage coverage.

Choose how to get drug coverage

• Separate Medicare drug plan: adds Part D coverage to Original Medicare and certain other plan types. You need Part A and/or Part B.
• Medicare Advantage with drug coverage: combines Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. You need both Part A and Part B to join Medicare Advantage.

Confirm an enrollment period

• Initial Enrollment Period: for people new to Medicare, it starts three months before Part A and/or Part B begins and ends three months after it begins.
• Open Enrollment: October 15 through December 7 for joining, dropping, or switching eligible Medicare health or drug plans for the next year.
• Special Enrollment Period: may apply after events such as moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help. The timing depends on the event.

Do not wait for a general deadline if a special circumstance applies. Medicare limits when plans can accept enrollment requests.

Steps

1. Confirm that Part A and/or Part B is active or has a start date.
2. Identify the enrollment period that permits you to join.
3. Use the official Medicare Plan Compare tool to review plans in your service area.
4. Enter your prescriptions and preferred pharmacies to compare each plan's formulary, network, premium, deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and estimated yearly cost.
5. Check how the new plan could affect employer, union, VA, TRICARE, or other current drug coverage before changing anything.
6. Enroll through Plan Compare, the plan, or 1-800-MEDICARE before the period ends.
7. Save the confirmation and verify the coverage start date with the plan.

Costs and coverage vary by plan

Private companies approved by Medicare offer Part D coverage. Each plan can have different premiums, covered drugs, pharmacies, prior-authorization rules, and cost sharing. Review the plan's current documents rather than relying on another person's plan.

Avoid an uncovered gap

After you become eligible for Medicare, a gap of 63 consecutive days or more without Medicare drug coverage or other creditable prescription drug coverage may lead to a Part D late enrollment penalty. Keep notices showing whether other coverage is creditable.

Official sources

• Medicare — Joining a plan
• Choose how to get Medicare drug coverage
• Medicare Plan Compare
• Creditable prescription drug coverage

Related resources

• Understand Medicare enrollment
• Can I join a drug plan with only Part A?
• Creditable prescription drug coverage
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Checklist after signing up for Medicare