Do I Need Medicare Part D If I Have Supplemental Insurance?

 

Meta: When you become eligible for Original Medicare, you’ll have a lot of healthcare decisions to make. Learn whether you need Medicare Part D with Medigap.

 

Becoming eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 includes making many decisions. If you enroll in Original Medicare, you’ll also have the option to purchase Medicare Supplemental insurance, also called Medigap. But is buying Medigap enough to cover all your healthcare costs? 

 

If you need prescription drug coverage, you may wonder if Medicare Supplement plans cover your prescription drugs. If you have Medigap, do you still need to buy Medicare Part D? Let’s take a closer look.

 

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Prescription Drugs?

 

Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap plans) no longer cover prescription drugs. If you purchased a plan before 2006, your plan may still include prescription drug coverage. However, since 2006, plans no longer have this type of coverage. If you want prescription drug coverage and you’re keeping your Original Medicare—not switching to Medicare Advantage—you’ll need to decide if you want Part D or not.

 

How Do I Get Medicare Part D?

 

You can enroll in Medicare Part D in three different ways. But you’ll need to be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B first. The three ways you can get Medicare Part D are:

• Initial Enrollment Period: When you become eligible to enroll in Original Medicare, you can also enroll in Medicare Part D. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins three months before your 65th birthday and lasts until three months after. Once you opt into Part B, you can purchase a Part D plan from a private insurer. 

• Annual Enrollment Period: If you missed the IEP, you might have another chance to enroll in Part D coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). From October 15 to December 7 each year, the AEP is an opportunity to sign up for a Part D plan or switch from one plan to another. If you enroll during this period, your Part D coverage will begin on January 1 of the following year.

• Special Enrollment Period: There are certain times when you may qualify to enroll for a Medicare Part D plan. These times will create a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You may be eligible for a SEP if you move away from your current plan’s coverage area. You may also qualify if you are recently released from jail, your current Part D plan ends, or you had Medicaid but are no longer eligible. a

 

Can I Get Part D If My Medigap Plan Includes Prescription Drug Coverage?

 

If you have a Medicare Supplement plan from before 2006, your plan may include prescription drug coverage. You cannot stay enrolled in that plan’s prescription drug coverage and purchase a new Part D plan. If you decide to purchase Medicare Part D, your Medigap plan will disenroll you from their prescription drug plan, and you can’t get it back once you are no longer enrolled.

Making Medicare decisions can be complicated—that’s why Hella Health’s here to help. Learn more and get the resources you need with our Medicare Coach.