Are you eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B and wondering if you should enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D), even though you don’t take a lot of prescription drugs? It depends on who you ask, but most experts would tell you to enroll regardless, because if you don’t join when you are first eligible, you may pay an enrollment penalty later on.

"The good news is that older Americans have dozens of Medicare drug plans to choose from, so finding the right coverage is just a matter of choosing the right premiums, co-pays and deductibles," said Alan Weinstock of http://www.MedicareSupplementPlans.com, which offers those 65 and older assistance in finding the right Medicare supplement insurance, also known as Medigap insurance.

Two Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Plans

There are two types of prescription plans. First, there is the stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (referred to as PDP), which may be added to original Medicare, certain Medicare cost plans, some Medicare private fee-for-service plans and to Medicare medical savings account plans.

Then there is the Medicare prescription drug coverage that can be included as part of a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO). Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, provide Part A, Part B and Part D.

You can join a Medicare drug plan when you are first eligible or during open enrollment each year (between November 15 and December 31). You can do it at anytime if you qualify for the Extra Help, or low-income subsidy program.

Choosing the Right Medicare Part D Plan for the Right Price

Medicare Part D has long been the subject of debate because of the difficulty that many seniors have in selecting the best-suited and most economical option for them. "I remember there was a survey done last year, where the majority of adults believed that Medicare Part D is too difficult to understand and they support some form of simplification," Alan Weinstock said.

Deciding on the best prescription drug plan for you will depend on three things: cost, coverage and convenience. You can choose a plan based on the premiums, deductibles and cost of your drugs. Or you can choose a plan based on which drugs are covered and the rules on how to access those medications, such as with prior authorization. Finally, you can choose a plan based on which pharmacies are part of the plan or whether there is a mail order option. For further assistance on choosing the right plan for the right price, check out the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website and click on "Compare Drug Plans."

"What seniors need to keep in mind is that there are a wide number of sources that can answer questions and provide information on Medicare and Medicare Part D as well as Medigap inurance.