Enrollment

Before You Enroll

If you are nearing age 65 or are reevaluating your current Medicare coverage, there are a few things you will want to consider:

• Is Original Medicare (Parts A and B) enough, or do you want more coverage?
  
  
• Which benefits are most important for you? Hospital coverage, specialist visits, prescriptions, etc.
  
  
• What do you want to pay for monthly premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and medication copays?
  
  
• Do you want added coverage for things like vision, hearing and wellness?

Enrollment Periods & Deadlines

It's important to know the deadlines and when you can sign up for additional Medicare coverage, whether you plan to enroll as soon as you turn 65 or at a later time.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

This is when most people sign up for Medicare Part Advantage. It begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday, includes your entire birthday month and ends three months later. Some people may also qualify to enroll earlier, due to a qualifying disability or medical condition.

For example, if you turn 65 on August 25, your IEP is May 1 through November 30.

General Medicare Enrollment Period

January 1 - March 31

What if you miss your IEP? The good news is, you can still enroll in Medicare between January 1 and March 31 each year. You can always add Part D prescription drug coverage or opt for a Medicare Advantage plan through June of the same year.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

October 15 - December 7

During this time each year, Medicare beneficiaries can change plans. Most people over age 65 will only be able to switch plans during this time, so it is important to do your homework.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

What if you delay retirement or get coverage through a spouse or other family member past your IEP? You may qualify for a SEP lasting for eight months after either your employment or your group coverage ends.

How to Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B

It's easy to enroll in Original Medicare. First off, you might be enrolled automatically if you:

• Have been getting Social Security benefits for at least four months before you turn 65
  
  
• Have been getting disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months
  
  
• Have a qualifying condition like ALS or end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

You can enroll directly with the Social Security Administration (SSA) online. Before you start the application, you may want to prepare by reviewing the information needed on the SSA checklist.

Apply for Original Medicare

Medicare Advantage Help & Enrollment:

888-492-8633 (TTY 711)

October 1 - March 31, 7 days a week, 8 am-8 pm.

Request a Consultation

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