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Casework Corner - Watch out for Late Medicare Enrollment Fee
10/05/07By Joshua Dieker
District Representative
An issue to which we dedicate a lot of time in Congresswoman Boyda's constituent services office is Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. While the program helps many Kansans to afford their otherwise quite expensive medications, the application process is complex and can be confusing. Because of this, many come to this office seeking assistance in working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
One Medicare policy in particular accounts for many of the complaints that we hear from constituents. CMS generally imposes a penalty on those who do not enroll in the program within three months of turning 65. This is an added fee that must be paid as long as Medicare prescription drug coverage is continued. As you can imagine, the penalty comes as a surprise to nearly everyone to whom it applies. Unfortunately, there are many low-income recipients who face a serious financial hardship because of the extra burden.
In response to this problem, CMS has waived the penalty for anyone who qualifies for the low-income subsidy for Medicare prescription drug coverage. Now qualified individuals may enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan with no penalty through December 31, 2008.
In a recent press release, Congresswoman Boyda said, "Medicare Part D is a very complex program, covering hundreds of prescription drug plans from dozens of companies. Seniors should not be penalized for taking their time to choose the right plan for them. Earlier this year I voted to permanently end the late enrollment penalty for low-income beneficiaries, and I look forward to continuing to work on this issue in the months to come."
In the meantime, if you are considering enrolling in Medicare Part D, bear in mind that the enrollment period begins three months preceding your 65th birthday and ends three months after. If you are enrolling after this period of time expires, it is likely CMS will charge the late enrollment penalty. If you feel this penalty will create a financial burden, you may fall within CMS’s definition of low income and qualify for a waiver of the fee. To find out if you qualify, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE, and of course, always feel free to contact our office at (785) 234-8111 if you have any questions or need assistance in working with CMS.
District Representative
An issue to which we dedicate a lot of time in Congresswoman Boyda's constituent services office is Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. While the program helps many Kansans to afford their otherwise quite expensive medications, the application process is complex and can be confusing. Because of this, many come to this office seeking assistance in working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
One Medicare policy in particular accounts for many of the complaints that we hear from constituents. CMS generally imposes a penalty on those who do not enroll in the program within three months of turning 65. This is an added fee that must be paid as long as Medicare prescription drug coverage is continued. As you can imagine, the penalty comes as a surprise to nearly everyone to whom it applies. Unfortunately, there are many low-income recipients who face a serious financial hardship because of the extra burden.
In response to this problem, CMS has waived the penalty for anyone who qualifies for the low-income subsidy for Medicare prescription drug coverage. Now qualified individuals may enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan with no penalty through December 31, 2008.
In a recent press release, Congresswoman Boyda said, "Medicare Part D is a very complex program, covering hundreds of prescription drug plans from dozens of companies. Seniors should not be penalized for taking their time to choose the right plan for them. Earlier this year I voted to permanently end the late enrollment penalty for low-income beneficiaries, and I look forward to continuing to work on this issue in the months to come."
In the meantime, if you are considering enrolling in Medicare Part D, bear in mind that the enrollment period begins three months preceding your 65th birthday and ends three months after. If you are enrolling after this period of time expires, it is likely CMS will charge the late enrollment penalty. If you feel this penalty will create a financial burden, you may fall within CMS’s definition of low income and qualify for a waiver of the fee. To find out if you qualify, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE, and of course, always feel free to contact our office at (785) 234-8111 if you have any questions or need assistance in working with CMS.