Turning 65, Ready to enroll in Medicare?

For individuals turning 65 who do not have another credible coverage option, like a Group Health Plan, you will need to enroll Medicare Part B during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) which starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, the month of your birthday, and includes the 3 months after your birthday*.

* If you are in this situation of needing to enroll in Part B during your IEP, we HIGHLY recommend doing it before your birthday month and not waiting until the 3 months after your birthday month.  If you wait until after your birthday month, your Part B effective date will be delayed.

If you already enrolled in Social Security Benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B, effective the 1st of the month in which you turn 65.  (The exception to this rule is if you were born on the 1st of the month, you will be effective the 1st of the prior month.)  The government will send you a Medicare card about 3 months before you turn 65.

If you did not already enroll in Social Security Benefits, we believe the easiest way to enroll in Part A & B of Medicare is online at the Social Security website.  It only takes about 10 minutes to enroll online and you should receive your Medicare card in 1-2 weeks (if there are no issues).

After you enroll in Medicare Part B, you will need to decide whether you would prefer a Medicare Supplement (& Part D Plan) or a Medicare Advantage Plan.  Contact us if you would like the support of an independent agent looking for the best plans available for you.

If you or your spouse are still working (or have other credible coverage), these rules do not apply to you.  Go to "Working Past Age 65" to learn more.

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