October 1, 2021: Plans begin marketing their Part D prescription drug benefits for 2022.

Byber 2, 2021: Plan termination notices are sent. If your prescription drug plan is being terminated, you will receive a letter notifying you that you will have to choose a new plan for 2022.

By October 15, 2021: You will be able to find and compare plans online at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

October 15, 2021: The official open enrollment period for Medicare Part D begins. You will be able to enroll in a Part D plan, drop your Part D coverage, or switch to a different Part D plan. If you want to remain in your current prescription drug Octo plan, you do not have to do anything during the open enrollment period. Your prescription drug coverage will continue with its new benefit and cost design for 2022. If you are thinking of dropping your coverage, be sure to check on the enrollment penalties that would apply if you decide to reenroll later. It is important to reevaluate your plan annually. Changes to your health or changes plans make to their prescription drug formulary (the list of drugs your plan covers) may mean that you can get a better deal by shopping around.

Late October 2021: If you currently receive Part D Extra Help and are automatically reassigned to a new prescription drug plan, you will receive a blue letter from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Beneficiaries who are receiving Extra Help for their drug costs will only be reassigned to a new plan if they are enrolled in a plan that is terminating in 2022, if their plan’s premium is increasing above the regional benchmark threshold amount or if the plan is changing from a standard plan to an enhanced plan. As with all official notices from CMS or your drug plan, it is important to save this notice in your records.

December 7, 2021: The annual open enrollment period for Medicare Part D drug plans ends. This period is officially called the Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP).

December 8, 2021: The Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a 5-star plan begins. (Quality ratings are available on Medicare.gov).

January 1, 2022: Part D coverage for the new 2022 plan year begins.