Medicare Part D Open Enrollment is available annually November 15 thru December 31. But there's some good news - enrollment is still open for people with "Extra Help" paying for Part D.

If you have recently qualified for "Extra Help" paying for the Part D prescription drug plan, you can still sign up for a plan. If you qualified after May 15 and Medicare automatically signed you up, you can change Part D plans once this year.  If you haven't applied for the "Extra Help", you can still do so if you think you might qualify.  The upper limits for income and assets for qualifying for extra help are:                                        

If you are single, you may qualify if your annual income is less than $15,600 and your assets are less than $11,990;

If you are married, you may qualify if your annual income is less than $21,000 and your assets are less than $23,970;

For assistance applying for extra help, call the Health Plan Information Center at 651-783-5045 from 10:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Some people are able to get "Extra Help" paying for the Part D prescription drug plan without having to file an application for it.  People in these categories are also eligible for health-related programs called "Medicare Savings Programs" that will put money back in their pockets.  If your income and assets are below the following amounts, call the Health Plan Information Center for an application for the Medicare Savings Programs, and to talk about applying for a Part D drug plan if you don't already have one:

If you are single, you may qualify for the Medicare Savings Programs and automatic "Extra Help" for Medicare Part D if your annual income is less than $14,028 and your assets are less than $10,000;

If you are married, you may qualify for the Medicare Savings Programs and automatic "Extra Help" for Medicare Part D if your annual income is less than $18,732 and your assets are less than $18,000;

Be sure to call the Health Plan Information Center for assistance in applying for these programs if you think you might qualify.  The Health Plan Information Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 651-783-5045, or toll-free at 1-866-783-5045.