If you are nearing age 65, it’s important that you begin thinking about the health coverage you need. Since most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65, you need to be aware of the enrollment periods that come with enrolling in Medicare so you can avoid any late enrollment penalties and make the most of your coverage.
To enroll, you must meet one of these requirements:
If you are eligible for Medicare, there are several enrollment periods to take note of.
You have a 7-month period to sign up for Original Medicare as soon as you become eligible for Medicare. This is known as the Initial Enrollment Period.
If you are eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, your 7-month period starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and then ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
For example, if you turn 65 on June 17th, you can enroll in Medicare starting March 1st of that year through September 30th of that same year.
As soon as you are enrolled in Original Medicare and are 65, you will have a six-month window to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. During this period, you will have the opportunity to enroll in any plan without fear of being denied by the insurance company because of your health.
However, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan outside this period gives the insurers permission to deny you coverage because of your health, charge more in premiums, or require you to undergo medical underwriting.
General Enrollment for Medicare takes place between January 1st and March 31st each year. After your initial enrollment period, you can still sign up for Original Medicare during this time. However, because you delayed your enrollment into this period, it is possible that you will have to pay late enrollment penalties on top of your Medicare premiums.
Some people may qualify for a special enrollment period. Usually, you won’t pay a late penalty when you enroll during this time. If you’re covered under health insurance based on current employment, you can sign up for Medicare at any time as long as:
You have an 8-month special enrollment period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B that starts at one of the following times (whichever happens first):
Senior Health Solutions in Opelika, AL can help you get the Medicare coverage you need so you can get the peace of mind to really enjoy your life. You can give us a call at (866) 445-5215 today.
We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
