How long do I have to sign up for Medicare Part D?

When you turn 65 (and have no other drug coverage that is as good as Medicare), you need to join a Part D drug plan during the 7-month initial enrollment period when you can sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. This period runs from three months before the month of your 65th birthday to three months after it.

Is it too late to register for Part D?

You can sign up for a Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan between April 1 and June 30 to begin receiving drug coverage under it on July 1.

Is it too late to add Part D to Medicare?

Generally, the late enrollment penalty is added to the person’s monthly Part D premium for as long as they have Medicare drug coverage, even if the person changes their Medicare plan. The late enrollment penalty amount changes each year.

What is the cost of Medicare Part D for 2021?

Premiums vary by plan and by geographic region (and the state where you live can also affect your Part D costs) but the average monthly cost of a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) with enhanced benefits is about $44/month in 2021, while the average cost of a basic benefit PDP is about $32/month.

Do I need Medicare Part D if I don’t take any drugs?

If you don’t take any medications at all, you’ll still want to enroll in Part D when you’re first eligible (unless you have other creditable drug coverage), to avoid the late enrollment penalty described above.

When did the Part D late enrollment penalty start?

When the Part D program began in 2006, people already in Medicare could sign up until May 15 of that year without incurring a late penalty.

Do I have to enroll in Part D?

En español | Part D drug coverage is a voluntary benefit; you are not obliged to sign up. You may not need it anyway if you have drug coverage from elsewhere that is “creditable” — meaning Medicare considers it to be the same or better value than Part D.