Who gets a Medicare Part D notice?

Asked by: Laury Reynolds  |  Last update: November 26, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (47 votes)

Who Must Receive the Disclosure Notice? The Disclosure Notice must be provided to all Medicare Part D eligible individuals who are covered under, or who apply for coverage under, your group health plan.

Who should get Medicare Part D notices?

This disclosure must be provided to Medicare eligible active working individuals and their dependents, Medicare eligible COBRA individuals and their dependents, Medicare eligible disabled individuals covered under your prescription drug plan and any retirees and their dependents.

Who qualifies for Medicare Part D?

A person becomes eligible for Medicare Part D when they qualify for other parts of Medicare. This usually means reaching 65 years of age. However, there are exceptions based on disabilities and medical conditions, including ESRD and ALS.

Does everyone automatically get Medicare Part D?

Enrollment in Medicare Part D plans is voluntary, except for beneficiaries who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid and certain other low-income beneficiaries who are automatically enrolled in a PDP if they do not choose a plan on their own.

Can Medicare Part D notice be sent electronically?

Per the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations, the Medicare Part D Disclosure Notice must be distributed via paper or electronically. Appropriate electronic delivery methods include via email or attachment to email, via a company website, and providing documents on a magnetic disc, CD, or DVD.

Medicare Part D Notices: When, to who, and how?

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How do I add Part D to my Medicare?

To enroll in a Part D plan, you can do any of the following:
  1. Call 1-800-MEDICARE. Counselors are available to guide you through your options and enroll you in a plan. ...
  2. Use Medicare's Plan Finder tool to compare plans and enroll.
  3. Call the plan you wish to enroll in, and a representative can help you.

Where do I get a Medicare summary notice?

Medicare only mails MSNs every three months, but you can view your MSNs 24 hours a day by visiting MyMedicare.gov. Registering for access to Medicare's free, secure online service allows you to review all bills processed within the past 36 months.

Is Medicare Part D mandatory for seniors?

Enrollment in Part D is generally voluntary, however, some people are required to be enrolled, and others should not enroll. People who have Medicare and who receive assistance under certain federal programs (Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, SSI or the Part D Low Income Subsidy) are required to enroll.

Can I go without Medicare Part D?

A person may owe a late enrollment penalty if, after their Initial Enrollment Period (when they first get Medicare Part A and/or Part B), they go without Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage for any period of 63 or more days in a row.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

Does Medicare Part D go by income?

You may have to pay more, depending on your income. Who pays a higher Part D premium because of income? You'll pay an extra 1% for each month you could have signed up for Part D, but didn't, and didn't have creditable drug coverage. We'll add this penalty to your monthly Part D premium.

What is the most popular Part D drug plan?

The best Medicare Part D provider is Aetna. It has top ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and affordable premiums. Other great providers include Wellcare and UnitedHealthcare.

Can Medicare Part D be free?

No, Medicare Part D isn't free. But in 2025, at least one $0-premium plan is available in 43 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Most plans do have a monthly premium. And all plans have other costs beyond premiums, such as copays, coinsurance and deductibles.

Why is Medicare Part D needed?

Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Part D is optional and only provided through private insurance companies approved by the federal government. However, Part D is offered to everyone who qualifies for Medicare. Costs and coverage may vary from plan to plan.

What is the actuarial value of Medicare Part D?

There is an actuarial expectation that the amount paid under the prescription drug coverage for each Medicare eligible individual will be at least $2,000 annually.

Can you add Medicare Part D at any time?

Open enrollment period (annually) for Part D

15 to Dec. 7 each year. During the Medicare AEP, you can add, switch or drop your Part D coverage. Any changes you make will take effect on Jan.

What happens if you opt out of Medicare Part D?

Important! If you call 1-800-MEDICARE and opt out of a Medicare drug plan, you could be left without any drug coverage. As long as you continue to qualify for Extra Help, you can change your mind and join a Medicare drug plan during the next available enrollment period without paying a Part D late enrollment penalty.

Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?

Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).

Does Medicare penalize you if you don't get Part D?

Medicare calculates the penalty by multiplying 1% of the "national base beneficiary premium" ($34.70 in 2024)($36.78 in 2025) times the number of full, uncovered months you didn't have Part D or creditable coverage. The monthly penalty is rounded to the nearest $.

Is Medicare Part D deducted from Social Security?

You can pay premiums directly to the company, set up a bank draft, or have the monthly premium deducted from your Social Security check.

Do I need Medicare Part D if I have Federal Blue Cross?

Medicare Part D - Federal retirees and employees will likely not benefit from enrolling in Part D as they already have comprehensive drug coverage through their FEHB plan. However, retirees with limited resources may want to consider enrolling in Part D if they qualify for extra financial help under the Part D program.

Who sends out Medicare Part D notices?

Employers sponsoring a group health plan with prescription drug benefits are required to notify their Medicare-eligible participants and beneficiaries as to whether the drug coverage provided under the plan is “creditable” or “non-creditable.” This notification must be provided prior to October 15th each year.

How do I distribute my Medicare Part D notice?

Accordingly, this information is essential to an individual's decision whether to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. You may distribute notices using mail or electronically. Additional CMS requirements apply for electronic distribution of this notice.

Is there any reason to keep Medicare summary notices?

Importance of reviewing your MSN

Reviewing your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) is a way to make sure the medical services listed were received, correctly billed, and in fact covered by Medicare. This helps you detect any errors, fraud, or unnecessary charges and makes you aware of your healthcare costs and usage.