Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Enrollment
More than 27.6 million Medicare beneficiaries receive their prescription coverage through Medicare Part D, a figure which grew as a result of open enrollment for Medicare Part D at the end of 2010.
Seniors turning 65 this year should sign up for Medicare benefits immediately upon turning 65 to ensure they receive benefits under the Part D program. When enrolling, it is important to review all options and compare alternatives so that you can select the plan that best suits your needs.
During the Medicare Part D open enrollment period, current Medicare beneficiaries and others who are eligible for Medicare have the opportunity to enroll in the Medicare Part D program for the first time or change their existing coverage. The annual enrollment period is October 15 – December 7.
Medicare Drug Benefit Stories
How to Enroll
Medicare "Part D" is a collection of prescription drug coverage plans. Finding the Medicare plan that best matches your needs and enrolling is simple.
To enroll call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak with a Medicare counselor. When you call, make sure you have on hand:
- A list of the prescription drugs you take, including the dosage and frequency
- Your Medicare ID card
- The name and phone number of your preferred pharmacy
The Social Security Administration can also provide assistance for those who qualify for additional help. Call 1-800-772-1213 to check your status.
About Medicare Today
HLC launched the Medicare Today program in November 2004 to reach out to Medicare beneficiaries who needed reliable information on how to get the greatest value from their Medicare benefits. Medicare Today administers the partnership of over 400 national and local organizations including American Academy of Family Physicians, and National Alliance for Hispanic Health.
News and Important Dates
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October 15, 2011 - Medicare open enrollment period begins for the 2012 benefit year
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December 7, 2011 - Medicare open enrollment period ends for the 2012 benefit year
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January 1, 2012 - Changes made during open enrollment period take effect
Press Release
- October 18, 2011 - New National Survey Nearly 90 Percent of Medicare Beneficiaries Satisfied with Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage | Press Release | Survey
- August 4, 2011 - Premiums for Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage Will Cost Less, on Average, in 2012 | Press Release
- October 12, 2010 - New Survey: Nearly 85 Percent of Seniors Satisfied with Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
| Press Release
- August 5, 2010 - Medicare Trustees Report Reaffirms Continued Effectiveness of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program | Press Release
- June 24, 2009 - Statement by Mary R. Grealy Chairman, Medicare Today and President, Healthcare Leadership Council | Press Release
- November 12, 2009 - New National Survey Nearly Nine in 10 Seniors Satisfied with Medicare Drug Benefit | Press Release | Survey | Press Release in Spanish
Medicare Today E-Card
Birthday E-Card Reminder
Send your senior friends, family and neighbors turning 65 years old this year a reminder to enroll in the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Contact
Medicare
Call: 1-800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Visit: Medicare.gov
Medicare Today
Visit: MedicareToday@hlc.org