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Approaching age 65, crucial Medicare decisions await, often intricate and time-consuming. This pamphlet aims to assist you in navigating them effectively.
Learn “What is Medicare?
Determine your Initial Enrollment Period
Decide whether to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65
Find out how to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B
What is Medicare?
The federal government defines Medicare as a federal health insurance program for: People who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicare is divided into several Parts, depending on what is being covered, which aids in the alphabet soup of confusion. The first two parts, A & B, make up what is known as “Original Medicare”.
What is Medicare Part A and Part B?
- Medicare Part A is sometimes called “Hospital Insurance.” It helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care. Most people should enroll in Medicare Part A when they turn 65, even if they have health insurance from an employer.
- Medicare Part B is sometimes called “Medical Insurance.” It helps cover services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services including certain vaccines and cancer screenings.
- Most people need to enroll in Part B when they turn 65. Only people who have health insurance from their (or their spouse’s) current employer may be able to delay enrolling in Part B.
- If you decide not to enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, there are other options to consider, each situation is unique.
Determine Your Initial Enrollment Period
- There are only certain times when people can enroll in Medicare.
- The first time you can enroll is called your “Initial Enrollment period.” Your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.
How to Enroll:
- If you are receiving Social Security benefits prior to age 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B.
- If you want Part A and Part B coverage to start when you turn 65, sign up during the 3 months before you turn 65.
- You will need to submit an application with Social Security to get Part A and Part B. Sign up by: Applying with Social Security online at SocialSecurity.gov, visiting your local Social Security office, or calling Social Security at (800) 772-1213.