Do you know when to sign up for Medicare? If you are already receiving Social Security benefits then you will be signed up automatically for your Medicare A & B. You don’t have to do anything.
Your Red White and Blue Medicare card will be sent to you within 3 months of your 65th birthday.
Initial Enrollment Period To Sign Up For Medicare
Your Initial Enrollment window is a 7 month window that begins 3 months prior to your 65 birthday month, the month of your birthday, and 3 months after. You can apply for Medicare any time during this eligibility period.
You will be able to sign up for a Medicare Supplement Plan or a Medicare Advantage plan during your Open Enrollment window. This begins 6 months before and ends 6 months after your start date of Part B of Medicare. Each type of plan has specific guidelines that need to be followed druing Open Enrollment. There are limitations for when Medicare Supplement applications can be accepted without having to answer qualifying medical questions.
For Medicare Advantage plans, there are no qualifying health questions. But the enrollment cannot be submitted outside the Open Enrollment window unless there is a special enrollment period that applies.
You will want to sign up for a Part D Drug plan as well, in order to avoid a penalty. Medicare will penalize you if you don’t sign up for your plans within specific enrollment periods.
Every situation is different so contact us if you have any questions.
When Does My Medicare Coverage Begin?
Coverage begins the first day of the month you turn 65. If you were born on the 1st of the month, then coverage starts the month prior to your birthday month.
If you are not getting SS benefits yet, then you’ll need to sign up for Medicare. If you are still working and your employer provides you with health insurance, then you may not need to apply for Medicare. Medicare may work as primary or secondary payor with the group coverage. This depends on the number of employees in the company.
That’s your Initial Enrollment window and if you miss it, then you could end up paying a penalty and losing out on coverage for some time.
If you have questions on any of the plans, then give us a call at (800) 783-5901 or email us at Info@usamedicareplan.com. Our service is 100% FREE and we’re happy to help you.
