Part D Enrollment Periods
Medicare Advantage HMO-POS Plans
To get Medicare drug coverage (Part D), you must join a Medicare-approved plan that offers drug coverage. There are various types of plans as well as plan providers, and each plan can vary in cost and specific drugs covered. Medicare Part D has three enrollment periods that beneficiaries should be familiar with. Understanding these enrollment periods will help individuals avoid late enrollment penalties and obtain the best coverage.
The three Part D enrollment periods are:
- Initial Enrollment Period
- Special Enrollment Period
- Annual Enrollment Period
Part D Enrollment Penalty
The Part D late enrollment penalty is, in other words, an amount that’s permanently added to your Medicare drug coverage monthly premium. You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if at any time after your Initial Enrollment Period is over, there is a period of 63 or more days in a row during which you don’t have Medicare drug coverage or other creditable prescription drug coverage. You will generally have to pay the penalty for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage.
The cost of the late enrollment penalty depends on how long you went without Part D or creditable prescription drug coverage.
Medicare calculates the penalty by multiplying 1% of the “national base beneficiary premium” which amounts to $32.74 in 2023, with the number of full, uncovered months you didn’t have Part D or creditable coverage.
Part D Enrollment Penalty
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is unique to each individual. The IEP begins three months prior to an individual’s 65th birthday and ends three months after their birthday. This is the first opportunity for a Medicare beneficiary to purchase a Part D plan.
Part D Enrollment Penalty
Special Enrollment Periods are for individuals who have a qualifying event that allows them to either submit their first enrollment or change a current enrollment.
An event that would allow an individual to qualify for a SEP and change their Part D plan could be one of the following:
- Losing current health insurance coverage
- Moving to a new plan area or state
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a child
- Adopting a child
The SEP usually lasts for either 60 days before the qualifying event or 60 days after the qualifying event.
Of course, an individual must first meet all the requirements to enroll in a Part D plan initially. Speak with one of our knowledgeable agents if you think you may qualify for a SEP and wish to change your current coverage.
Part D Enrollment Penalty
The Annual Enrollment Period happens each fall from October 15 through December 7. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a Part D plan can choose to enroll in a different plan for the upcoming year. This is a crucial time of year for Part c and Part D enrollment.
The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is sent out to all Part D members every year at the end of September. The ANOC will notify the member of any upcoming changes to their Part D plan. Changes may include changes to the premium, deductible, and overall coverage. Changes to the plan will go into effect on January 1 of the upcoming year. Unless the member chooses a new plan, their coverage will continue under the same plan with the new changes.
Any changes that are made will go into effect on January 1 of the new year.
Get Help with
MEDICARE PART D ENROLLMENT
There are many things to consider when choosing a Part D plan. But, you don’t have to make those choices alone! Our agents can compare plans across multiple carriers to find you the best plan for the best price.
Once you choose a plan, enrollment is simple. We will fill out the necessary paperwork, you’ll choose how to pay your premium, and then we’ll submit the application for you. And remember, we’ll need to review your coverage every year since plans have the option to change their coverage.
Get More Information About 2021 Medicare Costs
The overall cost of Medicare usually changes each year. It is important that each beneficiary be familiar with how the costs are calculated so that they can make sure to get the best rate. Beneficiaries should have their coverage reviewed each year. One of our licensed agents can review your plans and make sure you are getting the most coverage for the best price.
