People With Medicare

Step 1: Eligibility

Am I eligible for the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage?

If you have or are eligible for Medicare Part A or Part B, you are eligible for the new drug coverage.

There is no screening for pre-existing conditions or high drug costs. Plans must take everyone who is eligible and enrolls.

What if I turn 65 soon?

You may join Medicare Part A, Part B and a drug plan during the three months before your birthday. You can also join for up to three months after your birthday. So if you turn 65 by July 1, 2009, you could join a drug plan starting April 1, 2009.

To find out when your coverage starts, you can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY users, call 1-877-486-2048). Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Why does it matter if I am eligible for drug coverage?

You do not have to join the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage if you do not want to. But if you are eligible to enroll in this drug coverage and you do not, you will have to pay a penalty if you join later on, unless you are eligible for the extra help with costs.

If you have other drug coverage now, you may not have to pay the penalty. See the next page, on current drug coverage, for an explanation.

I'm enrolled in Part A and eligible for Part B but not enrolled in it...

If you have Part A, you are still eligible for drug coverage even if

You never had Part B or
You had Part B and you stopped it.

I am still not sure if I am eligible...

If you still have questions, ask someone to help you. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or call Medicare — 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) ( TTY users call 1-877-486-2048). Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

NEXT:Current drug coverage