This total includes plans open to everyone with Medicare, including stand-alone PDPs and MA-PDs, and plans for retirees of a former employer or union. Part D enrollment has doubled since the program started in 2006, when the number of enrollees was 22.0 million, or roughly half of all Medicare beneficiaries.

Can Medicare Part D be denied?

You cannot be refused Medicare prescription drug coverage because of the state of your health, no matter how many medications you take or have taken in the past, or how expensive they are. Nor can you be asked to pay more than other people because of your medical history. There are no preexisting conditions in Part D.

When can patients enroll in Medicare Part D?

You can sign up for a Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan between April 1 and June 30 to begin receiving drug coverage under it on July 1.

What drugs are excluded from Part D plans?

There are many drugs that no Medicare plans will cover under the Part D benefit, based on national Medicare guidelines.

  • Drugs for anorexia, weight loss, or weight gain (i.e., Xenical®, Meridia, phentermine HCl, etc.)
  • Drugs that promote fertility (i.e., Clomid, Gonal-f, Ovidrel®, Follistim®, etc.)

Can you be denied Part D coverage?

Anyone on Medicare (with either Part A or Part B) is entitled to drug coverage (known as Part D) regardless of income. No physical exams are required. You cannot be denied for health reasons or because you already use a lot of prescription drugs.

Is there a penalty for not having Part D?

For each month you delay enrollment in Medicare Part D, you will have to pay a 1% Part D late enrollment penalty (LEP), unless you: Have creditable drug coverage. Qualify for the Extra Help program. Prove that you received inadequate information about whether your drug coverage was creditable.

Do you have to have Part D if you have Medicare?

If you qualify for Medicare Part D, you could enroll in a Part D program that covers your prescription costs. These plans can help lower your prescription drug expenses substantially. If you’re eligible for Medicare, consider a Part D and enroll when you enroll in Medicare.

Who is eligible for Medicare Part D ( MA-PD )?

There are Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD plans) that include Part D coverage. There are times you may be eligible for Medicare but are not allowed to enroll in a Part D plan.

Can you switch to Medicare Part D if you drop Medicare Advantage?

You can enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if you drop your Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan during the OEP. However, you can’t switch from one stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another during this time.

Is there penalty for not enrolling in Medicare Part D?

Here are three ways to avoid the late enrollment penalty: Enroll in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage during your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period or (if applicable) a qualifying Special Election Period.