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Medicare explained

When to enroll in Medicare Parts A & B

If you're already getting Social Security benefits you'll automatically be enrolled in Medicare. If you aren't, you have an "inital enrollment period" of 7 months to sign up for Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, and/or a Part D prescription drug plan.

Your initial enrollment period:

Sign up early to avoid a delay in getting coverage for Part B services. To get Part B coverage the month you turn 65, you must sign up during the first three months before the month you turn 65. If you wait until the last four months of your Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B your start date for coverage wil be delayed.

Some people younger than 65 may qualify for Medicare: People with disabilities, permanent kidney failure or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). If you're younger than 65, you're eligible after you've been disabled for more than two years.

You can switch during the annual election period

Every year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 you can make changes. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan or change your insurance company.



Your Medigap open enrollment period: Don't miss it!

If you are keeping Original Medicare Parts A & B coverage instead of going to a Medicare Advantage plan, you can add a Medigap plan at any time. BUT but the best time to buy is during your Medigap open enrollment period.


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