Today is the deadline to sign up for Medicare Part D, the new voluntary prescription drug insurance program. Seniors enrolling after today will have to pay an extra late enrollment penalty, which increases 1 percent every month after May.
Individuals missing Monday?s deadline who want to avoid penalty costs will not be able to enroll again until Nov. 15 for coverage beginning in 2007.
Anyone eligible for or enrolled in Medicare Part A or enrolled in Medicare Part B can participate in Medicare Part D. Individuals can?t be denied coverage for health reasons.
Mailed applications must be postmarked by May 15.
Telephone applications must be received by midnight at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). Operators will be available through midnight.
For more information or to apply online, visit www.medicare.gov.
The Baltimore County Department of Aging will have trained counselors available today at the Woodlawn Senior Center to help seniors and their families select the plan that?s right for them. The Center, at 2120 Gwynn Oak Ave., will open at 9 a.m. For more information, call 410-887-6887.
Anne Arundel County?s Medicare Part D Assistance Center, at 2666 Riva Road, Suite 110, will also be open. For more information, call 410-222-4464.
Who to call
For other area departments on aging, call:
» Baltimore City: 410-396-4932
» Carroll County: 410-386-3800
» Harford County: 410-638-3025
» Howard County: 410-313-7392
