Enrolling in Medicare

Medicare Enrollment Considerations

Enrolling in Medicare requires some advanced planning due to the decisions that need to be made and the timing for implementing those decisions. We are ready to talk through all the possibilities with you so you can make an informed decision.

Some of those considerations include the following.

1. When do you need Medicare health insurance to be effective?
2. Will you be enrolling in Medicare at age 65?
3. Did you begin receiving Social Security benefits prior to age 65?
4. Do you plan on starting your Social Security benefit when you turn 65 or will you only be enrolling in Medicare only and delaying Social Security?
5. Will you be working past age 65 and continue your employer's health insurance?
6. If working past age 65, does your employer's plan have a health savings account (HSA)?
7. Does your employer plan have "creditable drug coverage" which is especially important if you plan to work past age 65?

Medicare Enrollment Timing

Once you have determined when you will enroll in Medicare, the next step is setting up your "my Social Security" (mySSA) account at www.myssa.gov where you can apply for benefits. Ideally, you should create this account before Medicare eligibility so you can track your Social Security earnings history and learn what your estimated monthly benefit will be at retirement.

Enrollment Timing: At Age 65

If you are turning age 65 and intend to enroll in Medicare, here is an overview of the process steps. 

1. Begin the Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment process 3 months prior to the month you turn 65 so Medicare begins on the first of the month of your 65th birthday*.
   • Part A and Part B enrollment is automatic at age 65 if already receiving Social Security benefits.
2. After you enroll in Part A and Part B, you may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan with a standalone Part D drug plan.
3. Disenroll from your employer plan as of the end of the month prior to your Medicare effective date if you are still employed.

*NOTE: If your birthday is on the first day of a month, then your Medicare eligibility date is the first of the month prior to the month you actually turn age 65.

Enrollment Timing: Upon Retirement After Age 65

If you have worked past age 65, these are some considerations for transitioning to Medicare.

1. You are not required to enroll in Medicare at age 65 if you remain employed and stay enrolled in your employer’s medical plan without interruption.
2. When you retire after age 65 and enroll in Medicare, you will not be penalized for late enrollment.
3. You will follow the steps above for enrolling at age 65 based on the date you want coverage through Medicare to begin.
4. Exceptions:
   
   • Your employer has less than 20 employees
   • Drug coverage through employer’s plan is not creditable
   • Enrolled in COBRA coverage

Enrollment Timing: Approved for Social Security Disability Benefits

If you under age 65 and approved for Social Security disability benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B coverage on the first of the month when you begin your 25th month of disability.

Here are some considerations when transitioning to Medicare.

1. You may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage or enroll in a Part D drug plan.
   NOTE: Check with your state to see if they permit disabled Medicare beneficiaries under age 65 to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan.
2. Check with your Social Security office to see if you qualify for Extra Help or Low Income Subsidy.
3. Check with your Medicaid office to see if you qualify for state assistance.

Remember "63 Days" When Enrolling

When your enrollment is effective in Medicare Part A and Part B, you have 63 days to be enrolled in Part D drug coverage, whether through a Medicare Advantage plan or through a standalone plan, to avoid lifetime penalties. So, be sure to plan your Medicare enrollment accordingly.

For additional information, you can download a copy of the Medicare and You Handbook. It is updated annually and available in a number of different formats and languages.

Ready to begin the enrollment process?

Great! Let's schedule a call to discuss your next steps. Please call us at the number listed at the top right-hand corner of the website or submit the following form so we can set a time to meet.

Enter a link to a form requesting follow up here!

Important Notifications

1. All phone calls about sales and enrollment in Medicare medical and prescription drug plans must be recorded, as per Medicare. So, we will need to call you on a special line when we have our conversation.
2. We are paid a commission by the insurance company when enrolling someone in a Medicare plan. The commission amounts for Medicare Advantage and Part D Drug plans are set by Medicare for all plans offered by all insurance companies.