I was first eligible for Medicare 17 years ago and had Part D with extra help coverage for 15 of those years, including 2024, however, last year I signed up for a new Advantage Plan and I did not notice it did not have Part D coverage included. Tow months later I was in the hospital for two days (colonoscopy and heart tests performed. Most of that was covered and I did not notice any prescripions/drugs not being covered (I went through the ER so maybe that was the difference?), but I was given 3 prescriptions upon release and found out that I didn't have Part D coverage when I went to fill them. I thought the lack of coverage was because I had changed plans and the coverage was somehow dropped, not ever thinking it was my own fault. Fast forward to last week while I was investigating plans to see if we still had the best coverage and THEN discovered WHY I had no Part D coverage. So, my question is: Since I HAD part D coverage for many years, will there still be a penealty when I either find a plan WITH Part D coverage? What happens if I don't sign up at all and 'foot the bill' for prescriptions, which I rarely require?
You can compare MA plans in your area at medicare.gov then go to find a plan