Part D Enrollment Penalty Waived in 2007 for Those Who Qualify for Extra Help

Last Updated: 4/30/2007

If you qualify for extra help with paying for the Medicare prescription drug plan, you will not face any late enrollment penalties during 2007, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Generally, if you do not enroll during your initial enrollment period, you will have to pay a penalty, which increases the amount of your premium for every month that you delay enrollment. However, if you qualify for extra help, you can enroll at anytime in 2007 without paying a penalty.

Extra help is available to individuals with low incomes. Individuals who are single and have less than $11,710 ($23,410 for a married couple living together) in resources may qualify for extra help with their monthly premiums and deductibles. To see if you qualify and to apply, go to http://www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp/.

For more information, click here.