Medicare Part D Enrollment Begins October 15, 2011 and Ends December 7, 2011

If you normally wait until the holidays to make a decision regarding Medicare Part D, you will miss the enrollment deadline. As in past years, Medicare beneficiaries have a limited amount of time to compare Medicare Part D plans, but this year the enrollment period begins October 15, 2011 and ends December 7, 2011.

In previous years, beneficiaries enrolled for Medicare Part D between November 15 and December 31. The enrollment period was changed this year to prevent coverage problems arising from late-December enrollment, which could cause problems for many Medicare beneficiaries. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, this “ensures [Medicare beneficiaries] will have essential plan materials and membership cards in hand on January 1, 2012 when new coverage starts.”

Before making an enrollment decision, Medicare beneficiaries should carefully research their options, by visiting www.Medicare.gov , calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or consulting with State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) for unbiased help.

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