AmeriHealth® Rx
Frequently asked questions
Who can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage?
I don’t take any prescription drugs now. Why would I want to join a Medicare prescription drug plan?
When can I sign up for my Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage?
If I will soon turn 65 and I want to sign up for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, do I have to wait until November 15 through December 31?
Do I have to sign up for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage?
What if I have prescription drug coverage from an employer or union?
My income is very limited. It will be hard for me to pay the premiums and deductible in a Medicare prescription drug plan. Is there any extra help for me?
Who can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage?
Any person with Medicare is entitled to the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. You must first have Medicare Part A (hospital care) and Medicare Part B (medical care). Also, you must join a prescription drug plan (PDP) that is available where you live.
I don’t take any prescription drugs now. Why would I want to join a Medicare prescription drug plan?
Even if you don’t use prescription drugs now, you may need prescription drugs in the future. Medicare prescription drug coverage is important since medical practice has come to rely more and more on new drug therapies. Prescription drug coverage protects you from high out-of-pocket costs.
When can I sign up for my Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage?
Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage began on January 1, 2006. Many people with Medicare have already signed up for the coverage by joining a prescription drug plan. If you have not already joined a prescription drug plan, you may do so each year during the time period of November 15 through December 31. You will be able to join a plan, drop a plan, or change plans during that time. Your options are limited at other times of the year.
If I will soon turn 65 and I want to sign up for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, do I have to wait until November 15 through December 31?
No. If you are turning 65, you may join a Medicare prescription drug plan during the time that is called your Initial Coverage Election Period for both Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D. This period includes the three months before your birth month, your birth month, and three months after your birth month.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage?
No. You can choose to join. However, if you do not join a Medicare prescription drug plan when you first become eligible for Medicare, you will pay a penalty if you do decide to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan at a later date. In addition, you will pay the penalty each month for as long as you stay in a Medicare prescription drug plan. For most people, joining as soon as possible means you pay your lowest monthly premium. You can also feel secure that you will be protected from any unforeseen, catastrophic drug expenses.
What if I have prescription drug coverage from an employer or union?
If your employer or union plan covers as much as or more than a Medicare prescription drug plan, you can:
- Keep your current drug plan. If you join a Medicare prescription drug plan sometime in the future, you will not pay a monthly penalty.
- Drop your current drug plan and join a Medicare prescription drug plan. However, you may not be able to get back into your employer or union drug plan if you change your mind.
If your employer or union plan covers less than a Medicare prescription drug plan, you can:
- Keep your current drug plan and join a Medicare prescription drug plan to give you more complete prescription drug coverage.
- Just keep your current drug plan. However, if you join a Medicare prescription drug plan later, you will have to pay a monthly penalty.
- Drop your current drug plan and join a Medicare prescription drug plan. However, you may not be able to get back into your employer or union drug plan if you change your mind.
My income is very limited. It will be hard for me to pay the premiums and deductible in a Medicare prescription drug plan. Is there any extra help for me?
People with limited income and resources (including your savings, stocks, and bonds, but not counting your home or car) may be able to get extra help paying for prescription drugs. You may get an application in the mail from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for extra help paying for a Medicare prescription drug plan. It is very important that you fill out this application and return it to the SSA. If you don’t get an application in the mail, and you think you may qualify for this help, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY/TDD 1-800-325-0778), 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also visit www.socialsecurity.gov on the Web. SSA’s application process provides you with the quickest decision. You can also go to your State Medical Assistance Office to apply.
