How do I add Part D to an existing Medicare plan?

To add Part D to your existing Medicare (like Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan), you enroll in a separate, private stand-alone Part D plan during specific periods (like the Annual Enrollment Oct 15-Dec 7) via Medicare.gov, calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or directly with a plan, choosing a plan that covers your prescriptions and paying premiums. You can't add it directly to Original Medicare; you buy a separate plan, or if in an MA plan, you switch to an MA-PD plan during enrollment periods.

How do I add Part D to my Medicare?

To add Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage), visit Medicare.gov to compare and enroll in a plan, call a plan directly, or dial 1-800-MEDICARE, ideally during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) around turning 65, or the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7) if enrolling later, ensuring you have your Medicare card and medication list ready. You'll choose a private plan, either a standalone drug plan or as part of a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, and provide your Medicare number and personal details. 

What is the penalty for adding Part D to Medicare?

The Medicare Part D enrollment penalty (Late Enrollment Penalty or LEP) adds 1% to your monthly premium for each full month you went without Part D or creditable prescription drug coverage (like from an employer or VA) after your initial eligibility period, and it's a permanent, lifelong fee. It's calculated as 1% of the national base beneficiary premium (which changes yearly) multiplied by your number of uncovered months, then rounded. You can avoid it by enrolling during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you had other coverage.
 

Can you join Medicare Part D anytime?

Initial enrollment period for Part D

The IEP for Medicare starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after. During this period, you can choose a Part D plan once you enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B.

Is Medicare Part D deducted from my social security check?

Yes, you can have your Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) premium deducted from your Social Security check, just like Part B, but you usually need to arrange it with your specific drug plan provider, though it often starts automatically if you have Part B premiums deducted. If your income is higher, an extra amount (IRMAA) will be deducted automatically, but for your base premium, you contact your insurer to set up direct withdrawal from your benefits. 

How Medicare Part D Works (2025)

How much do I have to pay for Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D costs vary by plan but include a monthly premium (averaging around $34.50 for standalone plans in 2026), a deductible (up to $615 in 2026), and copays/coinsurance for drugs, with high-income earners paying extra and a late enrollment penalty possible, though some plans have $0 deductibles and assistance is available for low-income individuals. After January 1, 2025, the coverage gap ("donut hole") was eliminated, capping annual out-of-pocket drug costs, with $0 costs after reaching the yearly limit. 

Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?

There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.

Who should not enroll in Medicare Part D?

When you become eligible for Medicare, you should enroll in a Part D plan unless you have other creditable prescription drug coverage. Creditable drug coverage is coverage that is considered to be as good as or better than Part D.

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, failing to review plans annually, underestimating total costs (premiums, deductibles, copays), not enrolling in a Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, and assuming one-size-fits-all coverage or that Medicare covers everything like long-term care. People often delay enrollment, get locked into old plans without checking for better options, or overlook financial assistance programs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and penalties. 

When to buy Medicare Part D?

You should get Medicare Part D during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), the 7-month window around when you first become eligible (usually 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after turning 65), to avoid late enrollment penalties and cover costs. If you miss your IEP, you can enroll annually during the Annual Election Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7, or during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you have specific life events, like losing other creditable drug coverage. 

What happens if I don't have Medicare Part D?

If you don't have Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) and lack other "creditable" drug coverage (like from an employer), you'll likely face a permanent late enrollment penalty added to your monthly premium if you sign up later, plus you'll pay 100% out-of-pocket for all prescriptions, risking high costs for medications you might need in the future. This penalty is 1% of the national average premium for each month you were eligible but didn't enroll for 63+ days, making future coverage more expensive indefinitely. 

How can I lower my Medicare premiums?

To lower Medicare premiums, report income drops from life events like retirement (Form SSA-44), apply for low-income help like Extra Help or Medicaid, use HSA funds for premiums, deduct premiums from taxes, switch to a cheaper Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan, or check if you qualify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) through your state. 

Is Medicare Part D really necessary?

Your health can be unpredictable, so while you may not need many (or any) prescription drugs now, you may need them in the future. It's better to enroll in Medicare Part D when you enroll in Original Medicare so you can get coverage for future prescription medicines.

What happens if you delay enrolling in Medicare Part D?

If you wait to sign up during the AEP, you will be charged 1% of the average national premium for Part D plans for each month you delayed enrolling in a plan and didn't have creditable coverage. This penalty will be added to your monthly Part D premium for as long as you are covered.

How to submit to Medicare Part D?

The claim may be submitted via mail or fax to the address or phone number on the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Claim Form. Reimbursement requests may be submitted up to 36 months from the date of service.

What is the income threshold for Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D income limits determine if you pay a standard premium or an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharge, based on your 2023 income for 2025 costs: individuals earning over $106,000 and joint filers over $212,000 pay extra. There's also the "Extra Help" program for low-income individuals, with 2025 limits around $23,475 (single) / $31,725 (couple) for income and $17,600/$35,130 for resources, offering significant cost assistance. 

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower overall costs and simplicity for seniors, while private insurance excels in covering dependents and potentially offering more choice with networks/out-of-pocket caps, though at higher premiums. Medicare boasts lower admin costs and standardized coverage, but Original Medicare lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, a feature typically found in private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C). 

What are the three words to remember for a Medicare wellness exam?

For a Medicare Wellness Exam's cognitive test, the three common words to remember are often "banana," "sunrise," and "chair," used in the Mini-Cog screening to check your memory and thinking skills; you say them immediately and then recall them after a few minutes. 

Why are doctors dropping Medicare patients?

Physician Medicare reimbursement dropped 33% since 2000, when adjusted for inflation, according to the AMA. As a result, Ferguson said, many practices—particularly small, independent ones—can no longer afford to absorb the losses. "It's gotten to a point where you can't absorb it.

Can I add Medicare Part D anytime?

No, you generally can't add Medicare Part D anytime; you must enroll during specific periods like your Initial Enrollment Period (around turning 65), the annual October 15–December 7 Open Enrollment Period, or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) triggered by life events like moving or losing other coverage, to avoid potential late enrollment penalties. Missing these times means waiting for the next window, often with added costs. 

What are the disadvantages of Medicare Part D?

Disadvantages of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans include: Need to anticipate your prescription drug needs for the year: Part D plans differ in the types of drugs they cover. Knowing your medical situation can help you select a plan that is right for you and covers the prescription drugs you expect to need.

What is the most popular Medicare Part D plan?

There isn't one single "most popular" plan, but UnitedHealthcare (AARP) and Wellcare are frequently cited as top choices for Part D, with UHC often praised for overall quality, network, and low deductibles, while Wellcare leads in affordability and $0 premium options in some areas. Other strong contenders include Cigna, Humana, and Aetna, known for different strengths like perks, $0 plans, or low-cost tiers, but the best plan depends on your specific drugs and location. 

Can I deduct my Medicare premiums on my taxes?

Are Medicare premiums tax deductible? Yes, your Medicare premiums can be tax deductible as a medical expense if you itemize deductions on your federal income tax return. You can only deduct medical expenses after they add up to more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

You qualify for an extra ~$144 on your Social Security check if you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with a "Part B Giveback" benefit, which refunds some or all of your Medicare Part B premium, appearing as extra cash in your check, but eligibility depends on living in the plan's service area and paying your own Part B premiums. The "144" figure was common when the Part B premium was around that amount, but the actual refund varies by plan and location, potentially exceeding the full premium. 

At what age do you stop paying Medicare premiums?

Your CalPERS health coverage will automatically be canceled the first day of the month after you turn 65. See Cancellation of CalPERS Health Coverage for information on reinstating your health coverage.