Getting the right Part D
Part D can be one of the most confusing parts of Medicare. Watch this video to learn how to pick a plan that fits you and get the prescription drug coverage you need.
Medicare Annual Enrollment Resource Center
One place. One resource. Everything you need to know about the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.
Meet with a specialistWhat is the Annual Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, otherwise known as the AEP, runs every year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. It gives you the opportunity to review and make changes to your Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage. Those changes then go into effect Jan. 1 of the following year.
It’s important because Medicare is one of your most important benefits in retirement. Your needs may also continue to evolve, making it important to make changes based on your providers, prescriptions and more.
Your AEP Checklist
The Annual Enrollment Period is coming! Here’s what you can do to prepare:
Review your Medicare Annual Notice of Change:
This is a letter that should arrive in your mailbox by Sep. 30 and detail changes to your costs, coverage and service in the upcoming year.
Write down your current providers:
Verify that they’ll remain in-network so their services will be covered by your current plan.
Check your prescriptions:
Make a list of your current prescriptions, including doses, so you can see what Part D coverage matches your needs best.
Compare your options:
Look at other plans and make sure yours still covers your providers and prescriptions for the best price.
Select a new plan:
If your current plan doesn’t fit the needs you expect to have in the new year, use our tools to explore your options and pick one that suits you better.
Book an appointment:
Still need help determining if you have the coverage that best matches your needs? Book an appointment with one of our specialists.
Book an appointment The do’s and don’ts of the AEP
Do:
- Review your current coverage and how well it’s working for you
- Compare your options to see what might better fit your needs
- Think about any changes in your health, budget or priorities
Don’t
- Assume your plan will stay the same next year
- Skip reviewing your annual notice of change
- Make changes without understanding how they’ll affect your coverage
You can also check below for the three-step process to enroll in Part D.
Step 1: Understand Part D basics and eligibility requirements
Medicare Part D is optional prescription drug insurance provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. It helps cover the costs of brand-name and generic prescriptions at local or mail-order pharmacies.
To qualify for a Part D plan, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B (or both).
- Live within the explicit geographic service area of the specific plan you want to join.
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States.
Step 2: Know when you’re allowed to enroll
You can only add or change drug coverage during specific federal enrollment windows. The three main opportunities are:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is a seven-month window surrounding your 65th birthday. It begins three months before your birth month, includes your birthday month and extends three months after.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): The AEP runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. This is your primary annual window to select or adjust your coverage. Any changes submitted by Dec. 7 will officially go into effect on Jan. 1 of the following year.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Special enrollment periods can be triggered at any point during the year by unique events, such as moving to a new address outside your plan's service area or losing creditable drug coverage from a former employer.
Step 3: Get ready to enroll
Do you meet the requirements? Is an enrollment window open? It might be time to enroll! Here’s how you can do it:
- Gather personal details and documents: Have your red, white and blue official Medicare card ready. You will need your designated Medicare number and the exact date your Parts A and B coverage originally went into effect.
- List your current medications and dosages: Write down the exact names, precise dosages and refill frequencies for all prescriptions you take. This guarantees that you can check if they are on a plan's formal list of covered drugs (its formulary).
- Utilize the Official Medicare Plan Finder Tool: Navigate to the official Medicare tool to enter your zip code, medications and preferred local pharmacies. The system will sort plans automatically based on the absolute lowest total annual cost (premium + drug co-pays).
Review, click Enroll and Save Confirmation: Once you select a plan that fits your budget, click the "Enroll" button directly on screen. Complete the prompts, review your data and click submit. Be sure to print or take a digital screenshot of your final confirmation number for your records.
Medicare FAQs
What is the AEP?
It’s the time each year when you can review, change or enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D). It runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
What changes can I make during AEP?
During the AEP, you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (or vice versa).
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Join, drop or switch a Part D prescription drug plan.
Any changes made during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) become effective Jan. 1 of the following year.
How much does it cost to have Desert Financial help me with my Medicare plan?
The meeting with our Medicare advisors is free to you. Your plan premium is not affected by using this service.
Who can I go to with a quick question during the AEP?
During the AEP, our advisors may not always answer emails immediately or be able to accommodate day-of appointments, but feel free to text them with a quick question. You can also attend a Q&A session with an advisor to directly ask your question and get real-time answers.
I am turning 65 next year. Do I need to meet with the advisor before the end of the year?
Typically, you should meet with an advisor about 90 days prior to turning 65. If your birthday is after March 1, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment for January. If your birthday is in January or February, it’s a good idea to meet before the end of the year.
I have a new medication since I last picked a Part D plan. Is it covered in my current policy?
This is a great question for your meeting with an advisor. You can reference your Annual Notice of Change letter (ANOC), or you can meet with someone to get more specific advice for your prescriptions and plan.
What will happen to my current plan at the beginning of the year?
Your ANOC should have more answers about what will happen to your plan in the coming year. If you still have questions after referring to your ANOC, feel free to book an appointment with one of our specialists.
How can I get a life insurance quote?
Our insurance advisors are extremely busy during the AEP, but we’d still be happy to help you find the right life insurance policy. While we may not be able to accommodate day-of appointments during this two-month span, feel free to book a meeting with an advisor to talk about life insurance.
Do I have to re-enroll every year?
No. If you are happy with your current plan and it’s still offered, you’ll be automatically re-enrolled.
Meet the Medicare specialists
Locations:
East Valley • ASU campuses
Locations:
44th St. • Desert Sky • Palm Valley • South Mountain
Locations:
East Bell • Paradise Valley • Scottsdale • Prescott
Locations:
West Valley • North Phoenix • Flagstaff
Locations:
Ellsworth • Gilbert Gateway • San Tan
Sign up for one of our Q&A sessions
Have a specific question about Medicare? Our specialists hold their own Q&A sessions to help you get the answers you need and find the right plan. Check out upcoming dates and times below, and register to secure your spot.
Disclosures
Insurance:
Insurance products and services are offered through Desert Financial Wealth Services, LLC dba Desert Financial Insurance Services. For Medicare insurance policies: We do not offer every plan in your area. Currently we represent 7 organizations which offer 45 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.