Original Medicare doesn't cover most prescription drugs. Part D plans fill that gap — and enrolling on time protects you from lifetime penalties.
Check Your MedicationsPart D plans cover both brand-name and generic medications through a formulary (drug list). Each plan has a different formulary, so the plan that covers your specific drugs best may vary.
Drugs are placed into tiers — generics are cheapest, specialty drugs cost most. I'll check exactly where your medications fall on each plan before you enroll.
A plan that covers your drugs this year may not cover them the same way next year. I'll review your plan every fall during the Annual Enrollment Period.
If your income qualifies, you may be eligible for Extra Help — a federal program that significantly lowers your Part D premiums and drug costs. I'll check your eligibility for free.
If you go without creditable drug coverage for 63 or more consecutive days after your Initial Enrollment Period, you'll pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare — permanently added to your monthly premium.
The penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for each full month you went without coverage. This adds up and never goes away.
If you have drug coverage through an employer, union, VA, or TRICARE that's as good as Part D, you don't need to enroll right away. I'll confirm whether your coverage qualifies.
Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (7 months around your 65th birthday), or during the Annual Enrollment Period each fall if you're already on Medicare.
I'll run your specific drug list through every available plan in your zip code to find the one with the lowest total cost. Free, no pressure, bilingual service.
Choose a time that works for you — phone, video, or in-person. No obligation, just clear guidance.