When should I sign up for Medicare?
Getting Medicare is your choice. If you want Medicare, sign up when you’re first eligible for: Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
When do Medicare Advantage plans start coverage?
If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan, coverage starts the first day of the next month. To avoid a tax penalty, you and your employer should stop contributing to your Health Savings Account (HSA) 6 months before you retire or apply for benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board).
When do I have to join a Medicare drug plan?
Join a Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage within 2 months of when your job-based coverage ends. If your other drug coverage just switched to ‘not creditable,’ you’ll have 2 months to join a Medicare drug plan.
How far in advance can I apply for Social Security benefits?
How far in advance can I apply for Social Security retirement benefits? Views: 397445 You can apply for Social Security retirement benefits when you are at least 61 years and 9 months of age. You should apply four months before you want your benefits to start.
How many months before my birthday should I apply for Medicare?
three monthsWhen Should You Apply for Medicare? In most cases, you should apply for Medicare as soon as you're eligible. The initial enrollment period starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and extends three months past the month you turn 65, giving you a seven-month window to apply.
Do you have to sign up for Medicare or is it automatic when you turn 65?
Yes. If you are receiving benefits, the Social Security Administration will automatically sign you up at age 65 for parts A and B of Medicare. (Medicare is operated by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, but Social Security handles enrollment.)
What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?
What documents do I need to enroll in Medicare?your Social Security number.your date and place of birth.your citizenship status.the name and Social Security number of your current spouse and any former spouses.the date and place of any marriages or divorces you've had.More items...
How long before you turn 65 do you apply for Medicare?
3 monthsYour first chance to sign up (Initial Enrollment Period) It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. My birthday is on the first of the month.
Answer a few questions to find out
These questions don’t apply if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Do you have health insurance now?
Are you or your spouse still working for the employer that provides your health insurance coverage?
Your first chance to sign up (Initial Enrollment Period)
Generally, when you turn 65. This is called your Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65.
Between January 1-March 31 each year (General Enrollment Period)
You can sign up between January 1-March 31 each year. This is called the General Enrollment Period. Your coverage starts July 1. You might pay a monthly late enrollment penalty, if you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Special Situations (Special Enrollment Period)
There are certain situations when you can sign up for Part B (and Premium-Part A) during a Special Enrollment Period without paying a late enrollment penalty. A Special Enrollment Period is only available for a limited time.
Joining a plan
A type of Medicare-approved health plan from a private company that you can choose to cover most of your Part A and Part B benefits instead of Original Medicare. It usually also includes drug coverage (Part D).
When do you get Medicare if you turn 65?
You’ll be automatically enrolled in Part A and B, receive your Medicare card three months before your 65th birthday, and your coverage will start the first day of your birthday month.
What is a SEP for a 65 year old?
If you’re 65 or older, still working, and covered under a group health plan from your current employer (or your spouse is, and you are both covered under their insurance) — you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
How long does it take to get Medicare?
Learn how to make sure they have health insurance once you’re enrolled. Medicare eligibility starts at age 65. Your initial window to enroll is the seven-month period that begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday and ends three months after it. Seniors are generally advised to sign up on time to avoid penalties ...
What happens if you don't sign up for Medicare?
Specifically, if you fail to sign up for Medicare on time, you’ll risk a 10 percent surcharge on your Medicare Part B premiums for each year-long period you go without coverage upon being eligible.
When do you get Medicare if you leave your job?
In that case, you’ll get an eight-month special enrollment period to sign up for Medicare if and when you leave your job or your employer stops offering coverage. It will start the month after you separate from your employer, or the month after your group health coverage ends – whichever happens sooner.
Do you have to double up on Medicare?
No need to double up on coverage. Many seniors are no longer employed at age 65, and thus rush to sign up for Medicare as soon as they’re able. But if you’re still working at 65, and you have coverage under a group health plan through an employer with 20 employees or more, then you don’t have to enroll in Medicare right now.
Does Medicare pay for Part A?
That said, it often pays to enroll in Medicare Part A on time even if you have health coverage already. It won’t cost you anything, and this way, Medicare can serve as your secondary insurance and potentially pick up the tab for anything your primary insurance (in this case, your work health plan) doesn’t cover.
How does Medicare work with my job-based health insurance when I stop working?
Once you stop working, Medicare will pay first and any retiree coverage or supplemental coverage that works with Medicare will pay second.
When & how do I sign up for Medicare?
You can sign up anytime while you (or your spouse) are still working and you have health insurance through that employer. You also have 8 months after you (or your spouse) stop working to sign up.
Do I need to get Medicare drug coverage (Part D)?
Prescription drug coverage that provides the same value to Medicare Part D. It could include drug coverage from a current or former employer or union, TRICARE, Indian Health Service, VA, or individual health insurance coverage.
When should I join Medicare Advantage?
When to join a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. The best time to join a Medicare health or drug plan is when you first get Medicare. Signing up when you’re first eligible can help you avoid paying a lifetime Part D late enrollment penalty. If you miss your first chance, generally you have to wait ...
When can I switch my Medicare plan?
If you miss your first chance, generally you have to wait until fall for Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7) to join a plan. During this time each year, you can also drop or switch your plan coverage. It’s important to understand when you can enroll in Medicare and be confident in your choices.
How to get Medicare if you are not collecting Social Security?
If you’re not already collecting Social Security benefits before your Initial Enrollment Period starts, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare online or contact Social Security. To get the most from your Medicare and avoid the Part B late enrollment penalty, complete your Medicare enrollment application during your Initial Enrollment Period.
When does Medicare Part B start?
Find out if you should get Part B based on your situation. General Medicare Enrollment Period: If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up during Medicare’s General Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31), and your coverage will start July 1.
Can I sign up for Medicare during a SEP?
Special Enrollment Period: Once your Initial Enrollment Period ends, you may have the chance to sign up for Medicare during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You can sign up for Part A and or Part B during an SEP if you have special circumstances.
