All about enrolling in Medicare

What is Medicare?

• Government based health insurance for individuals 65 years or older managing a disability or diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease.
• It is divided into multiple parts
  • Part A: Hospital coverage including hospitalization skilled nursing facility hospice and may cover home health
  • Part B: Medical coverage including outpatient office visits preventative care and medical supplies
  • Part C: Advantage Plans private organization (HMO PPO etcetera) contracted with Medicare to cover services traditional coverage may not offer.
  • Part D: Prescription medication coverage
• You will choose if you would like both part A and B coverage or additional coverage through supplemental insurance.

When do I sign up?

• Prior to your 65^th birthday
  • The enrollment period begins 3 months prior to an individual turning 65 years old and ends after 3 months following his or her birthday.
  • If you apply on or in the 3 months following your birthday there will be a delay in Part B coverage
  • You may visit the Medicare website below to determine your exact eligibility period
• What happens if I do not enroll in the appropriate time period?
  • A Part B penalty will be applied if an enrollee does not apply within the eligibility period.
  • The penalty may be an increase in your insurance premium by 10% for each year you were eligible for coverage but were not enrolled. This penalty will be included in your premium for as long as you have Part B insurance.
  • The general enrollment period for late applicants is from January 1 to March 31 of each year.
• What are special enrollment periods?
  • If you have insurance coverage through your employment (including spouse employer insurance) by a group health plan
  • You may be eligible for the Special Enrollment
    • This is an 8 month window that begins:
      • The month after employment ends
      • The month after the group health insurance plan ends
    • If you enroll in SEP you likely will not have to pay the late penalty

When will my coverage begin?

• The first day of your birthday month if you enrolled during the first 3 months of eligibility. If you enroll at another time refer to the chart below.

• After you are enrolled:
  • Schedule a "Welcome to Medicare" physical with your primary care provider within the first year

If you have questions or are interested in more information please visit https://www.medicare.gov/people-like-me/new-to-medicare/getting-started-with-medicare.html