It’s never too late to get Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), however the best time to get it when you first become eligible for Medicare. If at any time after your Initial Enrollment Period is over, there’s a period of 63 or more days in a row when you don’t have Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage, you may owe a late enrollment penalty. You will generally have to pay this penalty for as long as you have Part D coverage. (Note: If you get Extra Help, you don’t pay a late enrollment penalty.)
3 ways to avoid a Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty:
1. Join a Medicare drug plan when you’re first eligible. Even if you don’t take many prescriptions now, you should consider joining a Medicare drug plan to avoid a penalty. You may be able to find a plan that meets your needs with little to no monthly premiums.
2. Don’t go 63 days or more in a row without a Medicare drug plan or other creditable coverage. Creditable prescription drug coverage could include drug coverage from a current or former employer or union, TRICARE, Indian Health Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or health coverage. Your plan must tell you each year if your drug coverage is creditable coverage. This information may be sent to you in a letter, benefit handbook, or included in a newsletter from the plan. Keep this information, because you may need it if you join a Medicare drug plan later.
3. Tell your plan about any drug coverage you’ve had. When you join a Medicare drug plan, and the plan believes you went at least 63 days in a row without other creditable prescription drug coverage, the plan will send you a letter. The letter will include a form asking about any drug coverage you had. Complete the form, and return it to your drug plan by the date listed on the form. If you don’t tell the plan about your creditable prescription drug coverage, you may have to pay a penalty for as long as you have Part D coverage.
If you have questions about Medicare or other life & health insurance products, click here to contact Linda Bell, a licensed independent insurance broker at Heart to Heart Insurance Agency, LLC.
Disclaimer: Heart to Heart Insurance Agency LLC is not connected with or endorsed by the United States Federal Government, Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, or the Department of Health and Human Services.