If you’ve decided to get Medicare drug coverage and have chosen a plan, it’s easy to sign up.

How can I enroll?

• On the phone by calling Medicare at
  (800) 633-4227; TTY (877) 486-2048.
• Online at www.medicare.gov.
• Or by contacting the plan of your choice at its website or at the phone number provided in its brochure or on Medicare's website.

When can I enroll?
If you're already on Medicare, you can enroll in a drug plan any time from Nov. 15, 2005, through May 15, 2006.

If you are not yet on Medicare but will become eligible in or after March 2006, you'll be able to join a drug plan during your seven-month initial Medicare enrollment period.

What if I enroll in one plan but then find another I prefer?
You can change your mind at any time from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2005. After that, you will have one more opportunity to switch before May 15, 2006—or two chances if you didn't enroll at all before Jan. 1. Enrolling in another plan automatically cancels your enrollment in a previous one. (Note: You may have more chances to change plans if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan or qualify for Extra Help, where different rules apply.)

Can I be turned down?
Only in a few circumstances—for example, if you're not eligible for Medicare or don't live in the service area of a plan you try to join. If you're denied but think you are eligible, call Medicare at the number above.

When will my drug coverage start?
If you've joined a plan by Dec. 31, 2005, coverage will start Jan. 1, 2006. After that, it will begin on the first day of the month after you enrolled.

*How you can avoid being scammed

Scammers may pretend to be from a Medicare drug plan to get your financial information. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself:

• Companies approved by Medicare can market their plans by mail and over the phone, but not door to door. They can also promote plans and enroll people at pharmacies and other public places.
• Approved companies cannot call your number if it is registered on an official Do Not Call list.
• Approved companies cannot ask you to enroll on the phone if they have initiated the call — you must call them. Call Medicare at (800) 633-4227 to verify the name and phone number of a plan if you're not sure.
• Do not give out your Medicare ID, Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers, or other financial details to anyone who calls. A legitimate caller won't ask.
• Don't believe anyone who says signing up is required by law, that you'll lose other Medicare benefits if you don't or that there is a fee for enrolling.
• Report possible fraud to Medicare or to your state attorney general's office or consumer protection agency.

Additional Related Links

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage section