How to Enroll in Medicare
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Starting Medicare benefits at age 65
Frankly if someone handed me the official Medicare & You Guide Book, I'd probably freak out. The Federal Medicare program is deep and wide and for most people it's considered very complicated. So you're not alone if you feel this way. Our job is to help you understand the options available to you and decide if you are enrolling into Medicare that you don't make any mistakes and that everything you need to do is done in a timely manner.
Most people will become eligible for Medicare upon turning age 65. If this is the case for you then the process is dependent upon if you are, or are not receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.
If you've decided that being employed beyond age 65 if what you want to do, then head on over to our Employer Group Health & Medicare page for additional information.
Medicare Part B is for medical services outside of the hospital.
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Am I eligible for Medicare ?
If you are age 65 and have legal residency in the United States you are entitled to Original Medicare Part A and Part B. You may also be eligible for Medicare if you are younger than age 65 and have a certain disability. Go to our Medicare for Disabled Persons and read the details on how to qualify for coverage.
Your Medicare benefits will start the first day of the month you turn age 65, and hopefully you have received your Medicare ID card sometime within the three months prior to your birthday. This is also the best time to consider additional coverages to offset the gaps that Medicare will bill you for, and therefore choosing a Medicare Supplement policy or Medicare Part C Advantage plan will help protect high out of pocket costs. We advise our clients to set up their own account at Medicare.gov to help manage their healthcare coverages and options.
Is enrollment into Medicare automatic?
If you made the decision to take Social Security retirement benefits prior to age 65, then yes you will automatically be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. These days however many seniors are continuing to work past age 65 and therefore will delay this retirement income, and if this is true for you, then enrolling into Medicare may also be delayed. This is especially true if you work for an employer who offers healthcare benefits and is considered a large group with more than 20 employees.
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Three ways to enroll in Medicare made easy?
If you're not enrolled into Medicare automatically as described above, you must get in touch with Social Security to activate your Medicare benefits. There are three ways to do this, but the most common and easiest is online via their website.
Questions & Answers?
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you may be able to enroll during the General Enrollment Period (GEP), which occurs between January 1 and March 31 each year. However, you may have to pay a higher premium for late enrollment.
You are not required to enroll in all parts of Medicare, but it is generally recommended that you enroll in Parts A and B to ensure you have comprehensive coverage.
The cost of Medicare varies depending on which parts you enroll in and your income level. Part A is generally free for most people, but you will have to pay premiums for Part B and Part D.
Yes, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which occurs between October 15 and December 7 each year.
You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and information about your work history and any other insurance coverage you may have.
Medicare can be confusing for most. We want to help you navigate the many options available to you, so please call us directly at (800) 405-4802 and chat with our insurance advisors for help.
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