subject: Medicare Part D - What Is It And Who Is Eligible? [print this page] Medicare Part D is a program subsidized by the federal government. It is meant to fill in the gaps from the other parts of the Medicare program in regards to prescription drug coverage. The plans themselves are not setup by the government, but are rather created through private insurance companies. Although they are independent, they are still required to adhere to a set of guidelines set forth by the government. This is meant to ensure that they all offer programs that suit the needs of those requiring such services.
The eligibility for Medicare Part D is quite simple. Anyone already enrolled in a Medicare insurance plan qualifies to participate in this supplemental program. That means that people over the age of 65, as well as people with certain disabilities, are able to take advantage of these savings on their prescription costs. In order to enroll, you simply need to find a plan that you feel suits you best, and provide your contact information as well as your current Medicare card number. However, it is important to note that the window to sign up is fairly limited. You must make sure to register between November 15th and December 31st. Your benefits will then take effect in the beginning of the following calendar year.
In order to enroll in a particular plan, you can either do so through the company itself or through Medicare. It is possible to sign up online or over the phone, but keep in mind that the Medicare website does not always have the most up-to-date information. Therefore, it is usually a good idea to research a few different companies and the various Medicare Part D plans that they offer. It can take a bit of time and effort on your part, but having the option to select a program that really works for you will ultimately benefit you later on down the road.
Virtually every company has a plan that will end up working best for someone. However, in order to get the most savings possible based on your coverage requirements, you will need to shop around a bit. It is helpful to make a list of which medications you take on a regular basis and the medical conditions with which you are dealing. This will allow you to get a more accurate view of which plans are tailored to those health issues and that can provide the medications you need for the lowest cost. Once you figure this out, Medicare Part D will surely enhance your existing insurance plan.
