Am I Eligible
Before enrolling in Medicare, let’s first make sure you are eligible. Medicare eligibility begins at age 65 for most people and individuals must also be a US citizen or permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. continuously for at least five years. Additionally, those who have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months are also eligible as well as individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
How do I Enroll?
For starters, Medicare is not required however, if you do not have other qualifying health coverage, you may face penalties for delaying your Medicare enrollment. If you are already receiving Social Security income benefits, you will be automatically enrolled into Medicare Part A once you turn 65 and will have to decline Part B if you choose not to enroll. For everyone else, you must take action to enroll in Medicare which is done through the Social Security Administration. This can be done online at ssa.gov, in-person at a local SSA office, over the phone, by mail or fax.
Medicare Enrollment Period
INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD” – “Your initial enrollment period (IEP) begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after your birth month UNLESS your birthday is on the first of the month in which case your enrollment period will begin and end one month earlier. During this IEP you can enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, C and/or D.
Medicare Supplement open Enrollment period
Once enrolled in Parts A & B, there is a six-month window to enroll in a Medigap plan. This period begins with your Part B effective date and is a one-time election period. It is important to understand your rights for Medicare Supplement enrollment as you may face denied applications or higher premiums once outside of this window.