From November 15 through December 31 each year, people on Medicare can enroll in the Medicare prescription drug program - a program to help people on Medicare save money on drugs

Who can enroll?
U.S. residents who are enrolled in Medicare – a program for people aged 65 or older, or under age 65 but disabled – can enroll in the Medicare prescription drug program.

In addition, people who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid automatically are signed up for the Medicare prescription drug program.

What do I do?
During the Medicare open enrollment period, you need to choose a drug plan that is right for you.  You can find details in your annual “Medicare & You” handbook. 

To choose a plan or to find out more, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; for the hearing impaired, call 1-877-486-2048).  Follow the instructions to speak to an English- or Spanish-speaking operator.  When calling, you will need your red, white and blue Medicare card on hand.  You also will need a list of the name and dose of your prescriptions, given that different plans cover different drugs.  The operator will ask you questions to help you find the right drug plan.

You also can visit www.medicare.gov.

Select “Search Tools” at the top of the page.  Here you can learn about Medicare and the drug program.  There is information available in English, Spanish and other languages.

For people who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, you should automatically be signed up for the Medicare prescription drug program.  However, you may wish to choose a drug plan that is right for you by calling the telephone number or visiting the Web site listed above. If you are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid but have not been automatically enrolled in the prescription drug program, you may enroll in the program at anytime and will not be subject to any late enrollment penalty.

What do I get?
Prescription drug coverage.  People who are enrolled in the Medicare prescription drug program can fill their prescriptions at local pharmacies.

When does it start?
About three weeks after you call Medicare, you will receive information by mail.  This will help you in picking the right plan.  You can enroll in a Medicare drug plan between November 15 and December 31 each year.  Your coverage will begin January 1 of the following year.

What does it cost?
The monthly premium costs varies substantially depending on the drug plan you choose and the state you live in.  The estimated actual average premium for 2008 is expected to be about $25 for basic coverage.

In addition to a monthly cost, you may need to pay co-pays for your medicines.  Your co-pays will vary depending on the drug plan you choose.

You can get help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage if you earn below $15,315 a year or below $20,535 a year if you are married and living with your spouse.  You also must have no more than $11,710 in resources or $23,410 for a married couple living together.  Resources are your bank accounts, investments and pensions – but not your home, car, burial plots or personal assets. These income and assets amounts are for 2007 and change each year. For more information call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (for the hearing impaired, call 1-800-325-0778) – there is information in English and Spanish.  Follow the instructions to speak with an operator.  Ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020).  Or visit www.socialsecurity.gov, and select “Medicare Prescription Drug Plan” under Medicare.

This site is intended only for residents of the United States, its territories, and Puerto Rico.
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