When can you get the Medicare Drug Benefit?

What most people don’t realize about the Medicare drug benefit is that there are specific times you can sign up that will not charge you a penalty for doing so.  There are stipulations to the Medicare drug benefit to attempt to discourage people from signing up for the benefit after it becomes obvious that they will need it and not having paid a dime for the coverage to that point.

You can add, switch, or get rid of a Medicare drug benefit at these times:

When you are first eligible for Medicare you need to sign up for the Medicare drug benefit.  This is the period between the 7 month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn age 65, includes the month you turn age 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn age 65.

If you get Medicare due to a disability, you can join and get the Medicare drug benefit during the 3 months before to 3 months after your 25th month of disability. You will have another chance to join 3 months before the month you turn age 65 to 3 months after the month you turn age 65.

Between November 15–December 31 each year. Your coverage will begin on January 1 of the following year, as long as the plan gets your enrollment request by December 31.

Between January 1–March 31 of each year if you already have Medicare prescription drug coverage.

Anytime, if you qualify for Extra Help or if you have both Medicare and Medicaid.

Entry Filed under: Benefits Explained