When I can sign up
You can sign up when you first get Medicare (Initial Enrollment Periods for Parts C and D). You must be enrolled in either Part A (hospital insurance) or Part B (medical insurance). Most people will have both Part A and Part B.
To sign up:
- Call the plan directly.
- Call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).
- Go to www.medicare.gov (www.medicare.gov).
When to switch plans
You can switch to a new Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) simply by joining another drug plan during Medicare's yearly Open Enrollment Period, Oct. 15 - Dec 7.
To find out which plans cover your drugs, go to the Medicare.gov Plan Finder (www.medicare.gov). Enter your ZIP code and your prescription drugs.
There are other times of the year Medicare may allow you to switch plans. For example, if you move to a new area, or you lose or gain other health insurance. Contact us to find out if you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to change plans without having to wait for the Open Enrollment Period.
Need help understanding your Medicare options? Call us at 800-562-6900 or find a local Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) office for free Medicare counseling.