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Medicare is the federally-funded health insurance program for everyone older than 65 and for people with disabilities. Medicare now covers prescription drugs through approved private plans.

This coverage may be a good option for those who do not have prescription drug coverage that is at least as good as the Medicare coverage. For those with prescription drug coverage that is as least as good as the Medicare Rx plans, it may be best to retain current coverage.

The program is entirely voluntary. If you have Medicare, you have choices and need to decide what’s right for you. However, unless you have prescription drug coverage from another source that is at least as good as Medicare, you will face a lifetime premium penalty if you don’t enroll on time.

The annual enrollment period for the Medicare Prescription Drug Program is Nov. 15 – Dec. 31. If you plan to enroll in a plan, Medicare recommends deciding by Dec. 8.

The Prescription Drug Program
If you'd like assistance in understanding benefits and comparing plans, use our personalized, one-to-one Medicare Prescription Drug benefit counseling program.

Extra Help
Learn about extra help available to pay for prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources.