Turning 65: New to Medicare
Find out what you need to know if you're new to Medicare and enrolling for the first time.
Eligibility and enrollment
Learn the ins and outs of Medicare eligibility periods, enrollment, and assistance programs you may quality for.
There are specific times when you can sign up for plans or make changes to coverage you already have. Each year you'll have a chance to review your coverage and change plans.
WHEN YOU FIRST GET MEDICARE (INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD)
Most people are first eligible to enroll in Original Medicare when they turn 65. Your seven-month-long “Initial Enrollment Period” begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. You must be a US citizen or legal resident who has lived in the US for at least five years in a row.
DURING CERTAIN TIMES EACH YEAR (ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS)
Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage: Every year Medicare offers an “Annual Enrollment Period,” from October 15 to December 7, when you can add, drop, or switch your enrollment for the following plan year.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Medicare offers a “Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period” from January 1 to March 31 each year. During this period, if you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan. You can also disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare and join a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan (if you choose to do so).
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES (SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS)
Medicare also offers “Special Enrollment Periods” when you can make enrollment changes if certain circumstances change (for example, if you lose employer coverage, move to a new service area, or would like to switch to a plan that has earned a 5-Star quality rating from Medicare.)
When you become eligible, begin the enrollment process with the Social Security Administration:
- If you start collecting Social Security benefits before you turn 65, Social Security should enroll you in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) automatically. They will mail your Medicare card to you three months before your 65th birthday.
- If you don’t receive your Social Security card or you haven’t enrolled in Social Security, visit or call your local Social Security office or go to the SocialSecurity.gov website.
There are several state and federal programs that provide assistance with Medicare costs for Part A, Part B, and Part D. Eligibility varies by state and is determined by income and assets.
You can contact the Social Security Administration online, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY/TDD: 1-800-325-0778), or visit your local Social Security office to see if you are eligible.
Medicare and employment
More people than ever before are deciding to delay their Medicare enrollment and continue to get their health insurance through their employer. While working past 65 can help you put away additional savings for retirement, you could inadvertently be penalized for not enrolling in Medicare at the proper time. Before you make this important decision, you should know what the impact could be.
We’ve put together the following information to help you better understand your options.
IF YOU ARE COVERED ON YOUR EMPLOYER'S HEALTH PLAN
Speak with your benefits administrator to see how your employer’s plan works with Medicare. You may be required to enroll in Original Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65. Many people only enroll in Part A (hospital coverage with no premium) and delay enrollment in Part B until they lose employer coverage. Contact your Social Security office to make sure your enrollment decisions are followed.
Keep records of any prescription drug coverage you receive from your employer after you turn 65. You may need proof of this when you eventually enroll in Medicare to avoid penalties.
WHEN YOU FIRST GET MEDICARE (INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD)
Most people are first eligible to enroll in Original Medicare when they turn 65. Your seven-month-long “Initial Enrollment Period” begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. You must be a US citizen or legal resident who has lived in the US for at least five years in a row.
IF YOU ARE ON AN INDIVIDUAL HEALTH PLAN
You could save money if you switch to a Medicare plan with additional coverage.
A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN COULD SAVE YOU MONEY!
Are you currently enrolled in Original Medicare or an employer-based health plan?
Consider Medicare Advantage—you could save more on a plan with lower copays/coinsurance, plus lower premiums than most Medicare supplement plans. And, many cover Part D prescription drugs!d
Too busy right now? Schedule a Medicare Wake-Up Call!
We'll call you once you're eligible to enroll, review your options, and help you join the plan that's right for you.