When it’s time to sign up for Medicare, whether you’re turning 65 or experiencing a qualifying life event, you have important choices to make. Understanding your options can help you find the coverage that best fits your needs and budget. Here’s what you need to know.
TWO MAIN WAYS TO GET MEDICARE
When you first enroll and during certain times of the year, you can choose how you want to receive your Medicare benefits:
- Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B and allows you to visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. If you choose Original Medicare, you can add a Part D plan for drug coverage and a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan for help with out-of-pocket costs.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. These plans often include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. Some also offer additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing – but they typically come with a provider network.
WHEN CAN I ENROLL IN ORIGINAL MEDICARE?
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after your birthday month. Missing your window could lead to late enrollment penalties, so it’s important to plan ahead.
If you’re under 65 and have a qualifying disability:
- You’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B after 24 months of disability benefits.
- If you have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), you’ll be automatically enrolled the same month your Social Security disability benefits begin.
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE ENROLLMENT PERIODS
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. This is your chance to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (or vice versa), change Part D drug plans, or enroll if you missed your IEP.
- Special enrollment Period (SEP): Certain life events can qualify you for a SEP, such as moving to a new area, losing employer coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid.
- Aging into Medicare: Turning 65 is a major milestone that gives you the chance to enroll during your IEP. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. Otherwise, you’ll need to sign up manually.
- Moving: If you move to a new service area or out of your current plan’s coverage zone, you may qualify for a SEP to change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Choosing the right Medicare path can feel overwhelming – but you don’t have to do it alone. You can get free, personalized, and unbiased help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Or visit SSA.gov/medicare/sign-up for more information about your Medicare eligibility and sign up for Part A and/or Part B if you don’t get them automatically.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. To learn more about Medicare Advantage plans you can visit our website, www.selecthealth.org/medicare or call our Select Health Medicare Answer Team at 855-442-9940 (TTY:711) weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.