Prescription Drug coverage (Part D) is available in two ways:

•  If you have Original Medicare (Part A) and (Part B), you can obtain Prescription Drug coverage by enrolling in a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan that works alongside your Original Medicare benefits.

•  If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) prescription drug coverage is typically included in a single plan.

It’s important to review your prescription drug coverage every year, whether it’s a stand-alone plan or incorporated into an Advantage plan. Formularies and Co-pays change every year. You need to be sure that your plan continues to meet your needs every year.

IMPORTANT: There is a penalty if you do not enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan as soon as you are eligible. If you go without a Prescription Drug Plan, but later decide that you want one, you will have to pay a penalty of 10% for every month that you were without a Prescription Drug Plan. This penalty continues for your lifetime, unless you qualify for Medicaid or Extra Help for your prescription coverage through Social Security.