When you can enroll for health coverage, the best ways to do it and how to avoid penalties
- Turning 65. This milestone birthday sets the stage for your initial enrollment period (IEP) during which you can enroll in Medicare without fear of facing a penalty for signing up ...
- Late enrollment penalty. ...
- Open Enrollment Period. ...
- Special Enrollment Period. ...
How and when you should enroll in Medicare?
Sign up for Parts A and B of Medicare
- I’m already receiving Social Security retirement benefits. ...
- I’m signing up during my initial enrollment period , the three months before to the three months after the month you turn 65. ...
- I’m signing up during a special enrollment period , a time you can enroll in Medicare outside the initial enrollment period when certain conditions are met. ...
How and when are you supposed to enroll in Medicare?
- You have no other health insurance
- You have health insurance that you bought yourself (not provided by an employer)
- You have retiree benefits from a former employer (your own or your spouse’s)
- You have COBRA coverage that extends the insurance you or your spouse received from an employer while working
When is it too late to enroll in Medicare?
You may owe a late enrollment penalty if at any time after your Initial Enrollment Period is over, there's a period of 63 or more days in a row when you don't have Medicare drug coverage or other
When you should enroll in Medicare?
You can start exploring your Medicare options in your early 60s, but you should look more closely as soon as you turn 64. Consider taking the following steps. Meet with your benefits manager , if you’re still working, to discuss health insurance options. Determine your Medicare enrollment window .
How many months before I turn 65 should I apply for Medicare?
3 monthsGenerally, we advise people to file for Medicare benefits 3 months before age 65. Remember, Medicare benefits can begin no earlier than age 65. If you are already receiving Social Security, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B without an additional application.
How do I know when to enroll in Medicare?
Initial Enrollment Period—If you're eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. This is a 7-month period that 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.
What is the time frame for enrolling in Medicare?
7-monthInitial Enrollment Period – a 7-month period when someone is first eligible for Medicare. For those eligible due to age, this period begins 3 months before they turn 65, includes the month they turn 65, and ends 3 months after they turn 65.
Is Medicare Part A free at age 65?
You are eligible for premium-free Part A if you are age 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if: You are receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
Does Medicare coverage start the month you turn 65?
The date your coverage starts depends on which month you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. Coverage always starts on the first of the month. If you qualify for Premium-free Part A: Your Part A coverage starts the month you turn 65.
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...
What are the three enrollment periods for Medicare?
When you turn 65, you have a seven month window to enroll in Medicare. This includes three months before the month you turn 65, your birth month, and three months after the month you turn 65.
Does Social Security automatically enroll you in Medicare?
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.)
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 does Medicare coverage start?
However, in order to push for promptness in enrollment, the later you enroll the longer you wait for coverage. If you enroll in June, your coverage will begin August 1; if enrollment is in July your coverage begins October 1; and if in August, your coverage begins November 1. Keep in mind that to enroll in either a Medicare Supplement Plan ...
When does Medicare start for 65?
In this example, if enrollment occurs during Feb., March, or April, your Medicare will begin on May 1. If you enroll in May, your coverage begins June 1.
Why is it important to keep records for Medicare?
Because of the importance of having Medicare business conducted in a timely manner, and the volume of cases handled by their agents, it is important to keep records in the event a mistake is made in the processing of your enrollment.
How long is the IEP period?
The standard enrollment period is known as the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). It is a seven-month period beginning three months prior to the month in which you turn 65, the month in which you turn 65, and the three months after turning 65.
How long does a SEP last?
This SEP begins when coverage or employment ends and it continues for eight months.
How long do you have to be on Social Security to get Medicare?
You are disabled and receiving disability benefits. Medicare is automatic after you have been on Social Security disability for 24 months.
How long do you have to be married to a qualified beneficiary?
You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). You have been married to a qualified beneficiary for at least one year before applying. You are divorced from a qualified beneficiary whom you were married to for a minimum of 10 years, and you are single at the time of application.
Check when to sign up
Answer a few questions to find out when you can sign up for Part A and Part B based on your situation.
When coverage starts
The date your Part A and Part B coverage will start depends on when you sign up.
Medicare basics
Start here. Learn the parts of Medicare, how it works, and what it costs.
Sign up
First, you’ll sign up for Parts A and B. Find out when and how to sign up, and when coverage starts.
If you already receive benefits from Social Security
If you already get benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you are automatically entitled to Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) starting the first day of the month you turn age 65. You will not need to do anything to enroll.
If you are not getting Social Security benefits
If you are not getting Social Security benefits, you can apply for retirement benefits online. If you would like to file for Medicare only, you can apply by calling 1-800-772-1213.
If you are under age 65 and disabled
If you are under age 65 and disabled, and have been entitled to disability benefits under Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for 24 months, you will be automatically entitled to Medicare Part A and Part B beginning the 25th month of disability benefit entitlement. You will not need to do anything to enroll in Medicare.
