My mother-in-law moved in with us "temporarily" when Covid started she went home for a few months but then returned to us. She is from NY, and we live in Michigan. Her part D coverage was stopped without written notice as she had been out of state more than 6 months. We did not get new coverage right away for many reasons but when we found out we didn't have to wait for open enrollment we signed her up immediately. We recently received a letter that she may be penalized for the REST OF HER LIFE due to lapse in drug coverage. We filed a grievance with the company that cut her off, but they pretty much said too bad. We have started the process to fight this, any advice? It's not that much $ but no one told us this would happen, including her insurance agent.
Appeal the decision to Medicare directly.
There are a lot of little “Gotcha’s” for the elderly. It is a good idea to read the annual Medicare publication that she will get each year to familiarize yourself with any changes year to year.
If your MIL needs help paying for her meds, check into the “extra help” provision.
https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/part-d-late-enrollment-penalty
Could it be that the rates are higher in her new zip code? That happened to my dad on his drug plan.