Medicare Part D
In your Chicago Tribune column 10/31/21 you said, “Even if you don’t take any prescription medicines, you should sign up for Medicare Part D immediately and pay the small monthly charge.” There is no explanation as to why this is the best way to proceed. Can you please provide more information about why to do this?
I do not take any prescription meds and am a healthy, active female. I turned 65 in December 2021. I have Medicare A & B and a Blue Cross Blue Shield supplement.
Terry Says
If you sign up and start paying now, (likely cost about $15/month with no meds) you’re all set. If you wait until you start taking drugs, and then sign up, there is a late enrollment penalty that stays with you for the rest of your life.
How big a penalty? It’s complicated, and depends on how long you’ve delayed. But here is the complex explanation of the Medicare Part D penalty from the Medicare.gov website.
Best advice: Get part D when you sign up for Part B. Find best choices for pharmacies you would use, even if no current meds and Medicare.gov.
