Final answer:
Applying for assistance with Medicare prescription drug plan expenses does not automatically enroll a person in a Medicare prescription drug plan, known as Part D. Enrollment in a Part D plan must be done separately, and although assistance programs save money on drug costs, they do not equate to plan enrollment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Applying for help for Medicare prescription drug plan expenses does not automatically enroll someone in a Medicare prescription drug plan, also known as Part D. Instead, one has to actively enroll in a specific plan that offers the coverage they need. The Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 provided assistance programs, like the prescription drug discount card program, which saved Social Security recipients about 15% to 25% annually, but did not automatically enroll them in a Part D plan.
The introduction of Medicare prescription benefits was a significant expansion to help the elderly pay for prescription drugs, but it was also subject to criticism for its high costs and impacts on drug prices. Political pressure was significant from organizations such as the AARP to introduce drug benefits. However, despite the costs and criticism, the benefit was an important step towards addressing coverage gaps in Medicare, particularly for the elderly and disabled who commonly take several prescription drugs.