How To Enroll into Medicare

Enrolling in Medicare for the first time can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few options to consider when enrolling, depending on your circumstances.

Enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B When You Turn Age 65

The opportunity to enroll begins with your initial enrollment period, which means you are eligible for Medicare, starting three months before your birthday month and ending three months your birthday month. During this time, individuals can choose from a variety of Medicare plans, including Parts A, B, C, and D.

When people reach the age of 65 and already get benefits from social security or the railroad retirement board benefits, they are automatically signed up for Medicare and enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. The coverage will start the first day of the month they turn 65. However, if their birthday is on the 1st of the month, they are automatically enrolled into Medicare on the first day of the prior month before their birthday.

If you are not collecting social security benefits when you turn age 65 and wish to enroll in Original Medicare, you will need to do your Medicare enrollment yourself. If you need to sign up for Medicare Part A and B, you can do so with Medicare online at Medicare.gov, visiting the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov), or by calling your local Social Security office. Your coverage will start the first day of the month you turn 65 or if your birthday is on the first of the month, your coverage will start on the first of the month prior to your birthday.

After being enrolling, you will receive your Medicare card by mail.

Signing Up for Medicare Under the Age of 65

People under the age of 65 may be eligible to apply for Medicare coverage and receive full Medicare benefits if they qualify for a special enrollment period.

If you’re under 65 and disabled and get disability benefits from Social Security or the (RRB) Railroad Retirement Board for 24 months, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare in the 25th month of disability. People who receive social security disability benefits may also qualify to have their Part B Premium paid by the state of residence.

People under 65 who have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may also qualify for Medicare and become eligible for Medicare before their 65th birthday.

Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties

There are times when someone is not ready to enroll in Medicare when they are first Eligible for Medicare. To avoid a lifetime late enrollment penalty, they must have a health plan that qualifies as creditable coverage, such as an Health Insurance Plan through an Employer or Spouse’s Employer. COBRA coverage is not considered creditable by Medicare.

People who are 65 or older and intend on continuing to work may get Part A, but defer Part B and avoid penalties song long as they have alternate creditable health coverage.

Otherwise you must enroll in Medicare when you’re first eligible to avoid the lifetime penalty. This applies to people under 65 and people 65 and older.

We’re Here to Help

The licensed insurance agents at American Entitlements are ready to help. We can help you with Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment, explain how Medicare works, and even help you in enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Part D Prescription Drug Plan, or Medigap Plan. American Entitlements is a Medicare Insurance Broker, which means they present many of top Insurance Companies. Not just one.

Give us a call now at 469-814-0289 or schedule a call with us by visiting our Contact page.