Turning 65? Get ready for Medicare!
If you’re turning 65, there are a few basics you need to know as you get ready to enroll in Medicare. Let’s start with the “Initial Enrollment Period,” made up of the 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday and the 3 months after your 65th birthday.
During this period you can:
- Sign up for Original Medicare, which includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Contact your local Social Security office to get started. (If you’re already receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you’ll be automatically enrolled.)
- Opt out of Part B if you were automatically enrolled because you’re already receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, and don’t need it — for example, if you’re still working and have coverage through your employer.
If you feel you need additional coverage, you can also:
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) through a private insurance company. These plans provide all your Part A and Part B coverage (you must continue to pay your Part B premium) and some include Part D (prescription drug coverage). In addition, most offer hearing, vision and/or health and wellness programs.
When can I enroll?
You can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (as described above).
- Enroll in a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan through a private insurance company. These plans help pay some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copays, coinsurance and deductibles. However, certain factors, such as the county of residence, age, gender, health status and use of tobacco products, will affect your monthly premium.
When can I enroll?
Your Medigap “Open Enrollment Period” is a 6-month period that begins on the first day of the month in which you’re both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. If you’re applying for coverage during your Open Enrollment Period, your acceptance into a Medigap plan is guaranteed — even if you have health problems. - Enroll in a stand-alone prescription drug plan (Part D) through a private insurance company if you need drug coverage, and you’re not covered by an employer or another health plan.
When can I enroll?
You can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period.
Things to keep in mind
- You don’t need a Medicare Advantage plan if you have a Medigap plan and vice versa.
- If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D prescription drug coverage, you don’t need to enroll in a separate stand-alone prescription drug plan (Part D).
- Medigap plans don’t include Part D prescription drug coverage so you would need to sign up for a stand-alone prescription drug plan (Part D).
- Be aware that if you don’t sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period for Part B and Part D, you might pay a late-enrollment penalty. Go to medicare.gov and click on “glossary” at the bottom of the page for details.
Priority Health has plenty of plan options
When you choose us you’ll get 25 years of health care experience in Michigan and a local customer service team that’s available 7 days a week. Our plan options make it easy to find one that fits your needs and budget. As an existing Priority Health member, you can transition into one of the following plans with no disruption of coverage. To determine which plan is best for you, go to prioritymedicare.com and click on “How to decide” at the top of the page.
Priority Health Medicare Advantage plans*
PriorityMedicare ValueSM (HMOPOS), PriorityMedicareSM (HMOPOS) & PriorityMedicare SelectSM (PPO) are available in 38 counties across Michigan.
Priority Health Part D stand-alone prescription drug plan
PriorityMedicare RxSM (PDP) is a stand-alone prescription drug plan which is available statewide.
Need more help?
Call toll-free 1-888-389-6676, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with questions or to request a FREE packet of information on our Priority Health Medicare Advantage plans or prescription drug plan.
*You can enroll in Priority Health Medicare Advantage plans if you live in one of these counties: Allegan, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Cass, Charlevoix, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Hillsdale, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Kent, Lake, Leelanau, Livingston, Macomb, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Osceola, Otsego, Ottawa, Roscommon, St. Clair, Washtenaw, Wayne and Wexford.
Priority Health Medigap plans
(Plans A, D, F & N) are available statewide. They vary in price and coverage. Call toll-free 1-888-852-9780, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with questions or to request a FREE packet of information.
Take Action
Attend a Medicare meeting in your area
We host FREE meetings throughout our service area where you can learn more about our Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap plans and our prescription drug plan. A licensed, authorized representative will be present with information and applications. To find out dates and locations near you, to reserve your spot or to arrange for accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call us toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Topics: Medicare
