Your guide to enrolling in Medicare Part D
Feel confident about your prescription coverage. Whether you're new to Medicare or exploring your options, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
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Am I eligible for Part D?
If you're enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B, you're eligible for Part D prescription drug coverage—regardless of income or health status. No physical exams required and you can't be denied coverage due to health conditions. Part D is also included in some Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare eligibility typically begins at age 65 for U.S. citizens and legal residents who have lived in the country for at least five continuous years. You may also qualify if you have certain disabilities like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Eligibility also depends on your location—Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are only available in specific service areas, so plan availability may vary by ZIP code.
When can I enroll?
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
You have a 7-month window to enroll:
- 3 months before your 65th birthday month
- Your birthday month
- 3 months after your birthday month
Open enrollment period
Each year from October 15 to December 7, you can switch or enroll in a Part D plan. Changes take effect on January 1 of the following year.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Certain life events may qualify you for a SEP, allowing you to enroll or make changes outside the standard periods. Examples include:
- Moving to a new area
- Losing other credible prescription coverage
- Qualifying for Extra Help
- Entering or leaving a long-term care facility
To confirm if you're eligible for an SEP, contact us.
How do I enroll for a Part D Prescription Drug Plan?
Choose the method that works best for you:
Enroll Online
Use our
Enroll by Phone
Call us toll-free at
Enroll by Mail or Fax
Using our
HealthSpring Prescription Drug Plan
P.O. Box 269005
Weston, FL 33326-9927
Fax: 1-800-735-1469
Through Medicare
Enroll via the Medicare Online Enrollment Center
What is the Medicare Late Enrollment Penalty?
If you wait too long to sign up for a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D), you may have to pay a Late Enrollment Penalty. This fee encourages people to enroll in coverage as soon as they’re eligible—so they’re protected when they need it.
You could face this penalty if you go 63 days or more without one of the following after your initial enrollment period:
- A Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan
- A Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) that includes drug coverage (like an HMO or PPO)
- Another Medicare health plan with prescription drug benefits
- Creditable drug coverage (such as from an employer or union)
What does having a Part D late enrollment penalty mean for you?
If you owe a penalty, it’s added to your monthly Part D premium—and it stays there for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage, even if you switch plans. The amount changes each year and depends on how long you went without coverage.
This penalty also applies to Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage (MAPD).
How to avoid the Part D late enrollment penalty
Enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug plan as soon as you’re eligible and maintain your coverage without gaps longer than 63 days. That way, you stay protected and penalty-free.
What if you qualify for extra help?
If you receive Extra Help (a program for people with limited income or resources), the penalty doesn’t apply. But if your Extra Help ends and you have a break in coverage, you could face a penalty later.
How will you know?
If you didn't sign up for Part D when you were first eligible, you may have a late enrollment penalty. Medicare will notify you if this applies.
Need help or have questions? Call Medicare at