Prescription Question
Hi Terry-
I just became eligible and enrolled in Medicare on September 1st if this year. I enrolled in Part A&B plus purchased a supplement. When I was asked about what medications I was taking, I told my advisor, I wasn’t on any, which I am not. She said she wouldn’t be able to enroll then in the Medicare prescription plan, I believe it’s Part N? My question is that correct and I’d so, what happens if I need to fill a prescription or get put on a maintenance drug before the next open enrollment period? Thanks in advance for your help!
Terry Says
Your advisor was WRONG — completely wrong. There is a huge penalty for every month you delay in signing up for Part D — for Drugs — even if you are currently not taking any prescription meds. You generally have 63 days after signing up for Medicare to get the Drug coverage to avoid triggering the penalty.
If you do trigger it, the penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($38.99 in 2026) for each full month you went without coverage — so waiting 14 months adds about $5.50/month. The penalty is permanent, lasting as long as you have Medicare drug coverage, even if you switch to a $0-premium plan.
May I make one more suggestion. You could go straight to Medicare.gov and use the Part D plan finder to find a plan with least cost, for someone not taking any drugs. (And yes, if you do get a prescription during the year, there is no guarantee it will be covered!)
BUT I would suggest you go to MedicarePocketProtector.com right now — to check on that supplement you were sold. It was likely one that paid a big commission. And it may not be the best one for you! I say that because the agent was obviously ignorant of the Part D rules. There is no cost to review your plan now — and you can easily switch to the best supplement G since you’re within 6 months of signing up for Medicare. Please do that review now — even if you don’t change anything. You’ll peace of mind (and let me know what happens because I’ll be worrying about you until you find out!)
