People With Medicare

When and how can I join in a plan?

When can I join a plan?

For most people, the time to join (or switch) Medicare plans is between November 15 to December 31 of each year. However, if you qualify for extra help with your costs, you can join a Medicare drug plan anytime. If you make less than $15,600 ($21,000 for a couple), you should apply for extra help with costs using BenefitsCheckUp.

Depending on your situation, there may be other times during the year when you can switch plans. For more information, visit our Switching Plans section.

When does the plan start to cover my drugs?

If you join between November 15 and December 31, 2008: Your drug coverage will start on January 1, 2009.

How do I join a plan?

You can join a plan in the following ways:

By paper application. Contact the company offering the drug plan you choose and ask for an application. Once you fill out the form, mail or fax it back to the company.

On the plan's website. Visit the drug plan company’s website. You may be able to join online.

(ALERT:  If you join using the web, the plan must send you a bill. The plan cannot ask for payment at the time you join online.)
 
On Medicare's website.

Use Medicare.gov’s Prescription Drug Plan Finder

Print these instructions for using the Medicare.gov Prescription Drug Plan Finder

 

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