Just called Medicare about Part D. I'm relieved!

[CTyankee]

I was dreading the call. But here is what I found out.

I am 66 but still covered for prescription drugs under my husband's policy at work, so I didn't want to pay a premium each month for a program that probably wouldn't be as good as what I've got (and pay $73 per month for, but it covers dr.s visits and dental as well). Here's what I was told: I don't have to join now but should request a letter from my insurance company stating that I'm covered. I keep the letter and when I no longer have that policy, I call Medicare to join. With the letter, I won't be penalized for not joining by May 15 this year.

I called a little after 7:30 this morning (EDT). My call was taken in no time. It was a great experience. It's 1-800-MEDICARE.

[SoCalDem]

1. Insurers were required to send the letter at first..Now you have to ASK

for one? Something tells me that a lot of seniors will not realize that and will have problems later if they don't get the letter..It made sense to require the insurers to do it , unasked (their databases could generate them automatically). The letters should be sent out certified (it's a VERY important document) and done on bright colored paper with "Save this document with your important papers" as the header.

There are lots of seniors out there who will slip through the cracks and end up losing even more of their SS checks unnecessarily, due to penalties.