7 Steps to Medicare Eligibility: Step 6 Joining

When can I join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan?

1) For most people, the time to join (or switch) Medicare plans is November 15 to December 31 of each year.
2) If you turn 65 this year, you can join during the three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month and the three months after.
3) If you qualify for extra help with your costs, you can join a Medicare drug plan anytime.
4) If you make less than $16,245 ($21,855 for a couple), you should apply for extra help with costs.

When will Medicare start covering my drugs?
If you join during open enrollment this fall between November 15 and December 31, your drug coverage would start on January 1, 2010.

If you qualify for extra help with costs, you can enroll anytime. Your Medicare coverage will start the first day of the month after the month you join. Example: If you join on November 2, your drug coverage would start on December 1.

Can I switch Medicare plans?
You can switch Medicare plans during the open period, November 15 - December 31 of each year. You may be able to switch to a different plan at other times of year under some circumstances.

Is there a penalty if I join Medicare now?
If you were eligible for Medicare Part A or B and you did not join a drug plan before May 15, 2006, you will probably pay a penalty. You will pay the penalty unless you qualify for the Extra Help or have other drug coverage that is as good as the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. The penalty is a 1% increase in your premium for each month after May 2006 that you were eligible for the Medicare plan and did not join it. You will pay these higher premiums for the rest of the time you have Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. If you qualify for the Extra Help, you can join anytime, without paying a penalty.