When can a Medicare agent sell a standalone Part D prescription drug plan?

Question

Gary Church · Accepted Answer

Medicare agents are non-commissionable on Part D prescription drug plans. Agents could help seniors visit the Medicare website to enroll in a drug plan based on their medications and choose the right one.

Answered by Gary Church on May 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Stella Hattox · Answer

Agents can sell during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7.

They may also sell during the Med. Advantage OEP Period from January 1 to March 31.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) allow sales when beneficiaries experience qualifying life events. ( example:  moved to another state or county, etc.)

They can provide information and enroll beneficiaries during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) when they first become eligible. (They  can assist with plan changes or enrollments when beneficiaries are newly eligible for Medicare),

Priscilla Ramos · Answer

A Medicare agent can sell a standalone Part D (PDP) plan during valid enrollment periods:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) – when someone is first eligible for Medicare
Annual Election Period (AEP) (Oct 15 – Dec 7) – for anyone to enroll, switch, or drop a plan

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) – for qualifying events (move, loss of coverage, Medicaid/LIS, etc.)

Outside of these periods, a Part D plan generally cannot be sold or changed.

Christina Stanley · Answer

During your Initial Enrollment Period, the Annual Enrollment Period or during a Special Election Period.

Keep in mind, that most standalone Part D plans are not sold by agents.  Most agents assist with enrolment but are not Agent of Record on your plan.

Joseph Tretola · Answer

When they pass the AHIP certification, approved by the carrier for contracting, passed the carrier certification, and hold the appropriate state licensing and appointment.

Cindy Dedini · Answer

Agents can sell Part D plans when a Medicare beneficiary is first eligible for Medicare, loses prescription drug plan such as from an employer group plan or during annual enrollment period from 10/15 - 12/7. There are other Special Enrollment Periods that occur less frequently, but you can get more information for an agent or www.medicare.gov.

Answered by Cindy Dedini on May 11, 2026

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 11 other states

Answered by Cindy Dedini Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Neale · Answer

Medicare agents can sell a standalone Part D prescription drug plan during a beneficiary’s valid Medicare enrollment period, such as their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), or a qualifying Special Enrollment Period (SEP). During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP), a beneficiary enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can also return to Original Medicare and enroll in a standalone Part D plan.

Answered by Daniel Neale on May 7, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA, FL, ME & 8 other states

Answered by Daniel Neale Medicare Insurance Agent

Tim Newsome · Answer

There are 4 key times that stand alone Part D plans can be sold. 
1. Initial enrollment period. When a person is first enrolling into Medicare. Typically, 3 months before the month they turn 65 through 3 months after the month they turn 65. 

2. Annual Enrollment Period. Each year between October 15 and December 7th Medicare members can make changes to their plans for the upcoming calendar year.

3. Special Enrollment Periods. These are enrollment periods that are triggered most frequently by life events such as loss of credible coverage, moving service areas, or leaving employer provided coverage. 

4. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31 each year) ONLY if a Medicare member is changing from a Medicare Advantage plan to traditional Medicare.

When can a Medicare agent sell a standalone Part D prescription drug plan?

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When can a Medicare agent sell a standalone Part D prescription drug plan?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website