How to Sign Up for Medicare Rx

Many senior citizens have a hard time paying for the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy. With many prescriptions costing hundreds of dollars a month, it can be difficult for even middle-income seniors to afford those medications. Congress passed the Medicare Part D legislation to help those seniors better afford the drugs they need. When you turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare, you also need to look for a Medicare Rx plan that meets your needs and covers the medications you are taking.

Instructions

• 1

  Gather your prescription medications and make a list of the drugs you are taking. List the name of each medication, along with the dosage and how often you take it.

• 2

  Go to the Medicare website and click on the plan finder tool. Enter your ZIP code to see a list of plans in your area. Each state licenses insurance companies to do business in their jurisdiction, and the plan finder tool helps you select the Medicare Rx plans that best fit your needs.

• 3

  Enter your name and the effective date of your Medicare coverage if you wish. This information is optional, but it will help you find a more personalized list of plans. Click the "Find Plans" button to continue.

• 4

  Check the appropriate box for the type of Medicare coverage you currently have. Also complete the section detailing any subsidies you receive to help with your prescription and medical costs, including Medicaid and state-sponsored plans. Click "Continue to Plan Results" to see a list of recommended plans.

• 5

  Enter the name of each medication you take, then click the "Find My Drug" button to confirm the drug information. Click the "Add Drug" button to add the drug. Continue to add any additional medications you take. Click the "Add Drug and Dosage" button to complete adding each medication, then move on to the next one.

• 6

  Click "My Drug List Is Complete" when you are finished entering all your medication information. Review the list of pharmacies on the next page and click "Add Pharmacy." Click "Continue to Plan Results" to continue.

• 7

  Review the table listing available plans. Check each plan you want to learn more about, then click "Compare Plans" to see the plans and what they offer. Contact each plan to get more specific information about coverage and costs.

• 8

  Contact your local area agency on aging or senior center to get more specific information and plan recommendations. The staff at your local senior center or area agency on aging can help you find the best possible plan for your money.