How to enroll in medicare part D plans

Medicare is a federally funded medical insurance program. Medicare is designed to provide the elderly and those who have paid into the system access to low-cost health insurance. Medicare is divided into four parts, Part A through Part D. The part that covers prescription drugs is known as Part D. Enrolling in this specific area of Medicare is optional but highly recommended. If you want to gain access to this program, you must follow certain steps.

Things You'll Need

• Medicare card

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Instructions

• 1

  Verify that you are eligible for Medicare Part A or Part B. You must first qualify for Medicare before you can sign up for Part D. Qualification for either program depends on several factors including your age, work history, citizenship status and marriage status. If you are already receiving Medicare Part A or B, you will automatically qualify for enrollment in Medicare Part D. You can verify that your current health care is provided by Medicare by calling 1-800-633-4227.

• 2

  Research the types of coverage available. Medicare offers participants several types of prescription drug coverage. The kind of coverage you want and need depends on various factors. These factors include your current prescription costs, preexisting conditions and income. Find out if the plans cover your current prescription drugs. Some plans will only pay up to a certain amount and then pay for no more medications until the next year.

• 3

  Research the costs involved. Some plans cover only certain medical costs and only certain medications. Some plans require a co-pay while other do not. Each plan will clearly state in writing exactly what costs a typical recipient can expect to pay.

• 4

  Choose a plan and enroll. You can enroll in a Medicare Part D plan in multiple ways. You can order paperwork and fill it out via mail. You can also contact the Medicare provider directly, follow the instructions on the provider's website or call Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227. Make sure that you have your Medicare card with you first as you will be asked for information found on the card.