Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. advises all Medicare beneficiaries and persons newly eligible for Medicare about the critical open enrollment period for Medicare Part D. This period, from October 15, 2025, to December 7, 2025, is a crucial window for beneficiaries to join or drop their prescription drug plan. It’s important to act before the scheduled December deadline.
The Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) provides prescription drug coverage to all Medicare beneficiaries, with certain exceptions. Beneficiaries with employer or union health coverage or with the USGVI Medicare Advantage plan do not need to enroll in a prescription drug plan. Joining the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan may result in a loss of coverage under your union, employer, or Medicare Advantage plan.
To receive Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare beneficiaries must enroll in a plan offered by a private insurance company approved by Medicare. Each year, the plan sets the cost and determines which prescription drugs are covered.
In preparation for open enrollment, beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to review their current Medicare coverage. This proactive step ensures that the plan adequately meets their needs in terms of cost, coverage, and convenience, empowering them to make informed healthcare decisions. Individuals who are satisfied with their current plan do not need to re-enroll. Persons not participating in this year’s open enrollment period will have to wait until next year to make any changes to their coverage.
Beneficiaries are not alone in this process. They may contact the Virgin Islands State Health Insurance Assistance Program (VI SHIP) Medicare office in the St. Thomas/St. John District at 340-774-2991, extension 4507, or 4508, or in the St. Croix District at 773-6449, extension 3151 or 3152 to schedule an appointment. VI SHIP is here to provide the necessary support and guidance. For additional information, beneficiaries may visit www.medicare.gov.www.medicare.gov. or call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).
St. Croix Source
Health & Wellness
