9. Signing Up

You can sign up for Medicare's prescription drug benefit when you first become eligible for Medicare (this is known as your initial eligibility period) OR during Medicare's annual election period, which occurs between November 15 and December 31 of each year.

If you are a new enrollee or you are elegible to change you drug plan during the year, your coverage will start the month after you sign up. You are encouraged to sign up early in the month before your new drug plan coverage starts to ensure that your transition to your new plan is as smooth as possible.

If you sign up during the annual election period, you are encouraged to enroll by early December to ensure that your transition to your new plan is as smooth as possible.