- Medicare Enrollment and Eligibility
HOW TO APPLY FOR MEDICARE
Table of Contents
Every month, over 300,000 Americans enroll in Medicare. If you’re turning 65, you’ve probably gotten a lot of information about Medicare.
When applying for Medicare benefits, it’s important to understand the dates and deadlines for enrollment. Enrolling in Medicare on time can help save you from gaps in coverage and additional fees.
If you do not enroll in Medicare when you first become eligible you may end up paying more for your health coverage.
How do I know if I qualify for Medicare?
Most people qualify for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) when they turn 65. This is the most common and popular Medicare plan. Eligibility requirements for Parts A and B include:
- People 65 or older
- People younger than 65 who have certain disabilities,
- People of any age who have permanent kidney failure
For most people, Medicare Part A is free
You have already paid for Part A via payroll taxes. Medicare can help save you money and give you excellent health care coverage when you pick the right plans and understand your benefits.
Learn more about 2020 Medicare eligibility.
For other Medicare Plans on eligibility requirements, please refer to Part C and Part D.
When can I enroll in Medicare?
It’s important for you to know when to sign up for Medicare or when to join a Medicare plan. Late enrollment may result in financial penalties and gaps in coverage. PNo one wants to pay extra for something when you can mitigate the issue within 7 month’s time (more on this below)! If you want to save yourself from stress and unfair payments, plan to explore your options early, so you get the most out of your Medicare and avoid late enrollment penalties.:
Initial Enrollment Period
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is your unique time to enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, and D. Your IEP begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after—for a total of seven months (including your birth month). During this IEP is when you can apply for Medicare for the first time.
When is my 7 month enrollment period?
Three months before your 65th Birthday
What if I’m still working?
Many people choose to delay retirement. If you are still working, you may consider staying on your company-sponsored health plan. Medicare has different rules for employer health insurance plans. depending on whether the plans cover more or fewer than 20 employers.
Large Employer
More than 20 employees
If you are comfortable with your employers benefits, you can wait to receive Medicare benefits until you retire. When you do retire, you will likely be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period
Small Employer
Less than 20 employees
f you work at a small employer plan, your employer may require to you to get Medicare when you turn 65. Your employer also has the option to cancel your workplace plan or retain it as a secondary payer of covered insurance claims.
Even if you will have other coverage available to you after you retire, you will still need to make some Medicare enrollment decisions before you stop working. Be sure to plan ahead to avoid a coverage gap or financial penalties.
Need help sorting all of this Medicare stuff out while you’re still working? Contact us today for immediate assistance!
Need a reminder?
Understanding the Medicare Basics makes it easier to understand your coverage options.
– Learn about the basics of Medicare Parts A, B, C & D
Will I automatically receive my Medicare benefits?
If you’re getting Social Security benefits at least four months before your 65th birthday, you’re automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. Social Security will send you Medicare information and a Medicare card prior to your 65th birthday.
If you do not receive Social Security benefits at least four months before your 65th birthday, you will have to enroll yourself in Medicare.