Medicare Enrollment
When enrolling in Medicare timing can make all the difference. Here are some of the most common Medicare enrollment situations.
Which One Best Describes You?
If you plan to continue working past 65, do you need to enroll in Medicare? Find out here.
If You are already retired and approaching 65 years old how do you get Medicare?
Turning 65
Assuming that you are receiving Medicare the way that most people do (retiring after at least ten years of work through which you paid the Medicare tax), you can enroll in Medicare, and Medicare plans during what is known as the initial enrollment period. It starts three full months before the month of your 65th birthday, the entire month of your 65th birthday, and three full months after the month of your 65th birthday, for a total of seven months. During this time you can enroll in Medicare, and sign up for a Medicare health plan, Medicare Supplement, or Prescription Drug Plan
Still Working?
No problem! As long as your employer provides health insurance coverage, you can continue to work and apply for Medicare at any time while you are still working, or you will get an eight-month SEP to enroll in Medicare and Select a plan when you retire.
You're On Disability
If you have been declared disabled, and you are receiving Social Security Disability payments, Social Security will automatically enroll you in Medicare after you receive disability payments for 24 months.
You Retired Early
If you retired before your 65th birthday, you should enroll in Medicare even if your previous employer currently provides you with health insurance, or you have Medicaid. Not doing so May result in a penalty. If you are retired and receiving Social Security Retirement Income payments and you qualify for Medicare, Social Security will automatically enroll you and send you your Medicare card in the mail about three months before your turn 65. If you are retired and not receiving Social Security Retirement Income payments, you must contact Social Security to enroll in Medicare.
Late Enrollment Penalties
In most cases, Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free, and Medicare Part B (medical coverage) has a monthly premium. If you do not take Medicare when you are initially eligible, and you do not have creditable health insurance coverage, your Part B premium will be increased by 10% for every 12 month period that you could have had Medicare Part B, but you did not enroll, for life, this is known as the Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty.
Other Ways To Get Medicare
People with End-Stage Renal Disease (kidney failure), or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease can get Medicare. It is essential that you contact Social Security for details about enrollment in these circumstances.
Ready To Learn More About Medicare?
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Ready To Learn More About Medicare?
Get A Free Medicare Decision Guide
