Medicare Part D adds prescription drug coverage to Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. Prescription drug plans are offered by private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare. Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered. NIBC can help you navigate these drug coverage plans and decide which one is best for you.

You must have Medicare Part A and/or Part B to join a separate Medicare drug plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer drug coverage. To enroll for Medicare Plan D, you can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period. Your IEP for Part D is usually the same as Part B – the seven month period that includes the three months before the month you’re eligible, the one month you become eligible when you turn 65, and the three months after you become eligible. If you don’t join a Medicare drug plan during your IEP, you will have to wait until the Fall enrollment period from October 15 through December 7.