How to Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Medicare is a government-run health-care plan for American citizens over the age of 65 (as of 2011). There are a four plans: Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D, each of which varies in its coverage of medical expenses. Medicare Part D covers prescription medications and is distributed by private companies that are approved by Medicare. But in order to get Part D, you first have to sign up for Part A or Part B. Speak with your physician or pharmacist to decide which plan is right for you.
Instructions
Type "Medicare Plan Finder" into a search engine or click the link in the "Resources" section of this article. Type your zip code in the designated area. Follow the on-screen prompts and answer any questions to get your list of local private insurance companies who provide medicare plans.
Call the insurance company or stop into its office to get a paper application. You can fill this out and submit it back to the insurance company, where it will then decide if it's going to approve you for Medicare Part D.
Call 1-800-Medicare to speak with a Medicare representative directly. She may be able to help you join a plan over the phone. It may also be helpful to ask for the "Medicare &You" booklet so you can learn more information about joining Medicare Part D.
Speak with your current insurance company if you have one, about joining up with Medicare. If it's a Medicare-approved company, it may be able to give you information and help guide you to joining Part D.