Medicare offers prescription drug coverage to everyone with Medicare through Medicare Part D. If you decide not to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan when you're first eligible, and you don't have other creditable prescription drug coverage, or you don't get Extra Help, you'll likely pay a late enrollment penalty.
To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a plan run by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare. Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered.
From Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year, you may purchase a Medicare Part D drug plan. If you choose not to enroll and do not have credible coverage under another plan, you will pay a penalty at the time you do enroll. Information is available at 1-800-Medicare, www.medicare.gov or Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas, 1-800-860-5260.
Medicare Part B does cover some drugs in certain cases such as immunosuppressive drugs (for transplant patients) and oral anti-cancer drugs. You should call your Part B MAC for more information.