Alaska’s Medicare Information Office announced last week the enrollment window for Medicare prescription drug plans is now open and will remain open through December 7th. Although this process happens every year, the office is urging those who qualify to apply this year and avoid unnecessary costs.
Medicare charges permanent late-enrollment fees if a beneficiary does not sign up for Part D the first time they are eligible. Health program manager for the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Judith Bendersky says although the enrollment window for part D is the same time every year, it’s often an issue.
“And some people call on December 8th or in the middle of the year they wake up and realize they need prescriptions and they find that they’re locked out other times of the year.”
Bendersky says anyone who is new to Medicare or has had it for a while can sign up for Part D—as long as they are currently holders of Part A or Part B Medicare already.
She reminds beneficiaries that prescription drugs are not covered automatically under Medicare. One must sign up for Part D.
“Not all people need prescription drug coverage under Medicare. As an example people who retire from the state of Alaska and have Alaska care have very good prescription drug coverage through that retirement plan. Likewise people in many unions such as Teamsters and the Postal Workers, when they retire not only do they get a pension but they get health coverage that covers prescription drug coverage. So part D is optional.”
For more information or to sign up for Part D Medicare call the Alaska central Medicare Information Office at 1-800-478-6065 or visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.alaska.gov.