Important Dates and Schedule for the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, Medicare Part D
The new Medicare program has some very important dates and deadlines.
October 2005
October 13: Details and benefits of the multiple prescription Drug Plans are scheduled to go public. This is your opportunity to compare detailed costs and coverage from multiple companies.
November 2005
November 15: Actual enrollment opens.
January, 2006
Jan 1: All those enrolled by December start to receive benefits.
May, 2006
May 15: Initial period of enrollment ends. Joining after this date is subject to a 1% per month penalty on your monthly premium. The penalty permanently changes your monthly costs; it is NOT a one-time fee.
As always with government programs, all regulations are subject to change by legislation.
Jan 1: All those enrolled by December start to receive benefits.
May, 2006
May 15: Initial period of enrollment ends. Joining after this date is subject to a 1% per month penalty on your monthly premium. The penalty permanently changes your monthly costs; it is NOT a one-time fee.
As always with government programs, all regulations are subject to change by legislation.
What else to watch for about the Medicare Prescription Plan:
Expect to see an advertising blitz of sales pitches from legitimate private companies starting in October and running for several months. There will be heavy TV and radio advertising, along with telephone solicitations and direct mail. At least one news source is predicting that sales events with free gifts and sales promotions at Senior Centers will also be popular. Watch out for scams and con artists. For more about do's and don'ts in sales pitches see: News report; Medicare Plan D Prescription Program sales pitches and advertising.A few ideas on how to help a family member choose a Medicare Prescription Plan
Wading through the wave of marketing and sales pitches about Plan D is going to be a daunting task. Add to that the fact that the official government information is itself quite complicated, and you'll have an idea how difficult it will be to understand the choice you're being asked to make.Set aside time for research before sitting down to discuss this issue with a loved one or friend. You can use this Website as a start for additional basic information, and then broaden your search by visiting the government, association and private sites we have in our links. Finally, consider the advertising and "Medicare Nights" set up by the private insurers. You'll have to separate the sales hype from the really important information, but it's probably worth the effort.
More in this Plain Talk
I Need To Know series:
(Home) Plain talk about the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
What is the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan?
Important Dates and
Deadlines for Plan D
How much will it cost me for Medicare Prescription Program Part D?
Beware of Scams: Part 1
Beware of Scams: Part 2
I Need To Know series:
(Home) Plain talk about the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
What is the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan?
Important Dates and
Deadlines for Plan D
How much will it cost me for Medicare Prescription Program Part D?
Beware of Scams: Part 1
Beware of Scams: Part 2
