Medicare Part D, Medicare’s prescription drug program, covers drugs prescribed by your doctor (not infusions or doctor administered drugs). When you become Medicare eligible and enroll in Part A and B you’ll also want to enroll in a prescription drug plan, even if you’re not currently taking any drugs (to avoid a Part D penalty).
What is the Medicare Part D Initial Enrollment Period?
Medicare’s Part D initial enrollment is a 7 month period that has the same initial enrollment period as Original Medicare. You will never be asked medical questions to enroll in a Part D plan. Remember the best way to choose a plan is to look up your current drugs and dosages
When is the Part D Initial Enrollment Period?
Part D initial enrollment starts three months before your 65th birth month, goes on for the month of your birth, and ends three months after. Try our Senior65.com Deadline Calculator for your personalized calendar or see our Part D start date chart below:
| When you sign up for Part D*: | When your Part D effective will begin: |
|---|---|
| 3 months before your 65th birth month | The 1st of your 65th birth month |
| During your 65th birth month | The 1st of the following month |
| During the 3 months after your 65th birth month | The 1st of the following month that you apply |
*This whole chart assumes your Part B effective date is active
Learn More about Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Get a Part D Quote
What if you Miss the Part D Initial Enrollment Period?
If you miss your Part D initial enrollment period, you will have to pay for all prescription drugs out of pocket until you enroll in a plan and you could owe a penalty (1% for every month you could have been enrolled but weren’t). But more importantly, when can you enroll? That’s easy you can apply during Medicare’s Annual Election Period (Oct 15 -Dec 7) every year, and your plan will start Jan 1.
*Notes:
- If your birthday falls on the first of the month both your Medicare part B and Part D can start the first of the month proceeding your 65th birthday
How to get discounts of up to 80% on your prescription drugs
Senior65.com is now offering a free and easy to use drug discount card through CleverRx, which you can use at major chains like CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Rite Aid, Safeway, Walmart and many more.