Medicare Part D

Medicare drug coverage (also known as Medicare Part D) helps pay for the brand-name and generic drugs you need. It's optional and offered to everyone with Medicare by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.

Even if you don’t take prescription drugs now, consider getting Medicare drug coverage to avoid paying a late enrollment penalty if you join a plan later.

Medicare Part D - What You Should Know

Medicare Open Enmrollment (October 15-December 7)

The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs October 15 to December 7 each year. Plans are allowed to change their cost and coverage rules from year to year. It is important to read the Annual Notice of Change received each year to see if there are any changes that may affect you. Medicare beneficiaries may compare plans and make changes in their Medicare Part D (drug) plan or Medicare Advantage plan during this open enrollment period. Those changes will take effect on January 1.

Plan changes may affect your monthly premium, deductible, out of pocket maximum, drug co-pays and your pharmacy, doctor or hospital choices. It is important that you review your plan options each year during open enrollment.

Extra Help with Prescription Drug Costs

The Extra Help program helps people with limited income and resources lower or cut Part D costs. The Extra Help program helps with the cost of your prescription drugs, like deductibles and copays. You can apply for Extra Help any time before or after you enroll in Part D. You apply for extra help by contacting Social Security.

Your eligibility depends on your income and resources. You will be asked for your financial information when you apply. To learn more or apply for benefits, visit: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help.

K-State Research & Extension Marais des Cygnes District has trained SHICK counselors who can help you apply for extra help if you do not have access to apply online. Contact our office for more information.

Free, Unbiased Help Comparing Your Plans

K-State Research & Extension Marais des Cygnes District has trained SHICK counselors who can help you compare Medicare Part D (drug) plans and Medicare Advantage plans. Our counselors provide free, unbiased information using the plan finder on Medicare.gov. This information is provided to help assist you in choosing your plan for the coming year.

Limited information is available for Medicare Advantage plans on Medicare.gov. To clarify doctors and hospital networks and additional benefits available, the advice of an insurance agent may be needed to make your final decision.

For assistance comparing your Medicare plans, follow these steps:

Set up your Medicare.gov account. If you are unable to set up a Medicare.gov account, we can help you set one up.
Print out and complete our Medicare Intake Form (pdf). Please be sure to fill out the front and back of the form. Once the form is complete, drop it off at our office, scan and email to kgoul@ksu.edu or drop it in the mail.
After your form is received and initial plan comparisons have been completed, you will receive a call to set up an appointment. No appointments will be made without a completed intake form. Individuals are helped on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring your Medicare card with you to your appointment.

Creating Your Medicare.gov Account

When you create a Medicare account, you get access to personalized features when you shop for plans at Medicare.gov:

Get a summary of your current coverage.
Review how your current plan will change next year during open enrollment.
Compare your current plans to other plans in your area.
Manage a list of your prescription drugs and preferred pharmacies.
Get detailed cost information that includes any help you get (like from a Medicare Savings Program or Extra Help).

For information on how to set up your account, visit: Creating Your Medicare Account (pdf).