A transition refill, also known as a transition fill, is typically a one-time, 30-day supply of a drug that Medicare drug plans must cover when you’re in a new plan or when your existing plan changes its coverage. Transition fills let you get temporary coverage for drugs that aren’t on your plan’s formulary or that have restrictions on them. Transition fills aren’t for new prescriptions. Every year, Medicare drug plans may change which drugs they cover and the rules and restrictions associated with obtaining coverage for those drugs. December 7 is the last day to enroll in or change Medicare health or drug plans this year, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Changes made by December 7 take effect on January 1, 2015.

You can only get transition fills for drugs you were already taking before switching plans or before your existing plan changed its coverage. All Medicare Part D drug plans must cover transition fills. The rules apply to both Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage and Medicare stand-alone drug plans. When you use your transition fill, your plan must send you a written notice within three business days. The notice will tell you that the supply was temporary and that you should either change to a covered drug or file a request with the Part D plan (called an exception request) to ask for coverage.

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