Medicare is the government-sponsored health care program for seniors, age 65 and older. Once a year, seniors have the opportunity to explore other options for their Medicare Part D coverage--which offers coverage on their prescription drugs. Seniors may also choose their Part D plan when they become eligible, which is when they turn 65. There are numerous health insurance companies and a wide variety of plans from which to choose, so seniors need to spend a lot of time carefully examining their choices.
Tips and Warnings
- According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, you are eligible to sign up for Medicare for a six-month period around the time you turn 65--3 months before and 3 months after your birthday. Open enrollment for all eligible seniors in 2010 runs from November 15 to December 31, 2009.
