Everybody is talking about Medicare Part D and there is a lot of miss-information out there. The following information goes over the key points you need to know in the simplest way we know how to tell it. In our opinion, Medicare Part D is the best news for seniors since we have been in the insurance business. It is a shame that it is so complicated.

WHY YOU WANT THIS - If you do not enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan when first eligible, you will be subjected to two penalties:

1. You cannot enroll until the next open enrollment period, Nov 15th thru Dec 31st, and your coverage won't start until Jan 1st.

2. You will pay a penalty of 1% per month for every month you delay. The 1% is based on the Medicare Part D base premium which changes each year. There is no upper limit to the penalty and it stays with you for life.

KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING - If you currently have a Medicare Advantage plan like a Medicare HMO or Medicare PPO plan, you will need to get your Prescription Drug Plan from the same company'

1. If you purchase a separate stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan, you will automatically loose your current Medicare Advantage plan, which is probably something you do not want to do.

2. You may be able to choose a different Medicare Advantage plan with its own drug plan if you have other plans to choose from in your area and you like their drug plan better.

3. Your current Medicare Advantage plan may be offered with and without drug coverage. Choose the plan with drug coverage to avoid a penalty.

4. To view Medicare Advantage plans with Prescription Drug Plans that we offer, go back to the Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplement Plans page and click on Check Prices-Compare Plans.

WHEN TO GET A SEPARATE PLAN - If you currently have Medicare coverage through a Medicare Cost Plan, a Medicare Private-Fee-For-Service Plan, or a Medicare Supplement, you will want to purchase a separate stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan.