How to Opt Out of Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D is the prescription drug coverage option offered to every Medicare recipient. To receive the drug coverage, you are required to join an approved Medicare plan run by an insurance company or other private company. The cost for Part D can vary. If you do not have a lot of prescriptions each month, and you don't feel the cost is worth it, you can opt out of Medicare Part D.

Instructions

• 1

  Wait until the Annual Open Enrollment Period. The window is open from November 15 through December 31. In most cases, this is the only time you are allowed to cancel Medicaid Part D coverage. Under special circumstances, you may qualify to dissenroll at another time. Some of these special circumstances include moving out of your plan's service area, contract violations or an error by a federal employee.

• 2

  Call Medicare. Have your member identification number on hand. The number is located on your insurance card. Medicare can be reached by calling 800-633-4227.

• 3

  Inquire about other options before canceling. Consider enrolling in the lowest cost Part D plan in your coverage area. Even though the Part D program is voluntary, if you do not have a replacement prescription coverage, you may be subject to a a late-enrollment penalty fee if you decide you want to enroll again. If you decide opting out is the best route for you, let the representative know you want to remove Part D from your Medicare coverage.

• 4

  Call your provider to cancel the plan. The provider phone number can be found on the back of your insurance card. Each plan has specific requirements for canceling coverage. Requests usually must be submitted in writing. Once canceled, the prescription coverage will end on December 31.