Basics of Medicare part D

Part D – Prescription Drug Plan

The PDP provides prescription drug coverage to all beneficiaries who elect to enroll in a PDP or MA Plan that includes Part D.

Medicare beneficiaries may choose to join or leave a Medicare PDP during the following enrollment periods: The IEP for Part D is the 7-month period that surrounds the individual beneficiary’s first eligibility for Part D, beginning 3 months before the month of eligibility and ending on the last day of the third month following the month eligibility began. AEP, which occurs each year between November 15 and December 31. The Medicare PDP must accept all enrollments during this time. SEP, during which time beneficiaries in certain circumstances may change PDPs. The following are examples of such circumstances:

o He or she permanently moves outside the service area;
o He or she has both Medicare and Medicaid;
o He or she moves into, resides in, or moves out of an institution; or
o Other exceptions as determined by CMS.


Where to Find Additional Information About the Prescription Drug Plan

Additional information about the PDP can be found at
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PrescriptionDrugCovGenIn on the CMS website.

An individual with Medicare and limited income and resources may qualify for extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage costs. If the individual qualifies for extra help, he or she will receive assistance in paying for their drug plan’s monthly premium, yearly deductible, and prescription copayments. Applications for extra help may be filed at the local Medicaid office or by contacting the SSA.