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Life changes

Turning 65: get your drug coverage right

A missed deadline can mean a penalty you pay for life. These six steps keep you covered and paying as little as possible.

  1. Mark your enrollment windowYour Initial Enrollment Period runs 7 months: 3 months before your 65th birthday month, the month itself, and 3 months after.
  2. Decide how you’ll get drug coverageEither a stand-alone Part D plan with Original Medicare, or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.
  3. Check if your current coverage is creditableIf you’re still working, ask your employer whether its drug coverage is creditable. If not, sign up for Part D on time.
  4. Compare plans with your exact medicationsEnter every drug in Medicare’s Plan Finder and compare the yearly total, not just the premium.
  5. See if you qualify for Extra HelpUse our 1-minute checker. It can bring copays down to a few dollars.
  6. Get free, unbiased helpA SHIP counselor can walk you through your options at no cost. Call 877-839-2675.
Good news for 2026

Covered Part D drug costs stop at $2,100 for the year, covered insulin is capped at $35 a month, and recommended vaccines like Shingrix cost $0. More on Medicare drug costs.

Common questions

When can I sign up for Medicare drug coverage?

During your Initial Enrollment Period: the 7 months that start 3 months before the month you turn 65, include your birthday month, and end 3 months after.

What is the Part D late enrollment penalty?

If you go 63 days or more without Part D or other creditable drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period, you pay an extra 1% of the national base premium for each month you went without. It lasts as long as you have Medicare drug coverage. People who qualify for Extra Help don’t pay it.

I’m still working. Do I need Part D?

Not if your job-based drug coverage is creditable, meaning it’s expected to pay at least as much as Part D. Your employer must tell you each year. Keep that notice, because you may need it later to avoid the penalty.

Sources: Medicare.gov: avoid penalties, SHIP. Last checked October 1, 2026.