By
eHow Personal Finance Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Contact your Medicare office and talk to a representative for assistance on prescription insurance.
Step2
Ask about the new Medicare prescription drug program that started in early 2006. Know the benefits and qualifying criteria of this program. If your earnings are not very high, then you will qualify for this plan that includes prescription payments.
Step3
Request an application form such as SSA 1020 (SSA stands for Social Security Administration). The Social Security office will determine your eligibility and process the form.
Step4
Evaluate the plan and its extent of coverage from previous Medicare benefits. This plan is different from the Medicare drug discount cards, which were discontinued in May 2006.
Step5
Learn about the monthly premiums for the new plan. Currently, it is around $35.
Step6
Study the level of coverage and pharmacies listed. You may not be eligible for this plan when buying from pharmacies not listed under the policy. Make sure the plan meets your medical needs.
Step7
Check the joining dates. You can change plans or join a new plan in the month of November/December every year.