Dear Theodore,

First, it’s helpful to know that you can only change your Part D plan during certain times of the year. Here are the enrollment periods you can use to change your coverage:

• Fall Open Enrollment Period: This period runs from October 15 through December 7, with changes becoming effective January 1. It is sometimes also called the Annual Open Enrollment Period.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Only those with Medicare Advantage Plans can use this enrollment period. If you get prescription drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can also make changes to your coverage from January 1 through March 31.
• Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible to use a SEP to make changes to Part D coverage. Here are some examples of SEPs:
  • You move out of your Part D plan’s service area.
  • You have or lose Extra Help.
  • You lose creditable drug coverage through no fault of your own.

We are currently in the Fall Open Enrollment Period, so you can change your Part D plan!

There are a few ways to enroll in a new plan:

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
• Enroll online through Medicare Plan Finder.
• Contact the plan directly to enroll.
• Enroll through an insurance broker, if you work with one.

It is usually best to enroll through Medicare, since it’s helpful for Medicare to have the enrollment documentation in case any problems arise.

Once your new plan starts, you are automatically disenrolled from your old plan. You do not need to contact your old plan to disenroll.

I hope this helps!

-Marci