If you are now enrolled in a prescription drug
plan that offers drug coverage equal to a Medicare Prescription Drug
plan, you have what is called "creditable coverage." If you have
creditable coverage, you will be charged a late enrollment penalty if
you move to a Medicare Prescription Drug plan after the initial
enrollment period.

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS - Part D
I have NO
prescription coverage now, how do I enroll in Medicare Part D?
Unless you are just turning 65 and are still in the Initial Enrollment
period, you will have to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period which is
from November 15th to December 31st.
Presently I am under
a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). What changes can I expect with the new
Medicare Part D Prescription plan?
Medicare Part C
is being restructured to Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans. Medicare Advantage
Plans are made available through private health care companies. Medicare
Advantage Plans may be a HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), POS (Point
of Service) plan, PFFS (Private Fee-For-Service) plan or PPO (Preferred
Provider
Organization).
Each MA will offer varied benefits, depending on the plan you select. If
you choose a MA that does not offer prescription drug coverage, you may
participate in the Medicare Part D program.
I have prescription
coverage through my employer -sponsored retirement plan. Do I need to
enroll in Medicare Part D?
This decision
will have to be made once your former employer decides whether or not they
are going to maintain coverage for retirees. Companies have the option to
either maintain their current drug benefits, or to reduce or eliminate
prescription drug coverage for Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.
Will I be penalized
for not enrolling in Part D?
If the
beneficiary enrolling in Part D does not have credible drug coverage
(defined as at least as good as Part D), then they will be penalized for
not enrolling. Penalties take the form of increased monthly premium
charges. Rates will be determined by the length of your delayed
enrollment. If the enrollee does have credible coverage, he/she will be
able to enroll in Part D at a later date with no penalty.
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