Medicare

Simplify Your Medicare Enrollment

Getting started with Medicare is easier than you might think. We help thousands of people each year to sign up smoothly. If you’re about to turn 65, you can begin applying three months before your birthday. It’s a good idea to start early, so you have everything set up when you need it. When you first join Medicare, you can choose Part A and Part B. You should also think about Part D for prescriptions, as regular Medicare doesn’t cover this.

Parts Of Medicare

Medicare Part A

Your Hospital Care Coverage

Medicare Part A covers your hospital visits, making sure you're taken care of without breaking the bank. Think of it as the "room and board" you get in a hospital. This includes a shared room with your own bed, all your meals while you're there, and even the medications the hospital gives you. Plus, it covers the necessary lab tests and medical supplies you might need during your stay.

Medicare Part B

Comprehensive Outpatient Coverage

Medicare Part B is your key to a wide array of outpatient medical services, ensuring you're well-protected beyond hospital stays. It's your go-to for preventive care, such as flu shots and health screenings, as well as essential doctor's visits, lab tests, ambulance services, and much more. Part B even extends to some in-hospital procedures like surgeries and chemotherapy, along with vital medical equipment.

Medicare Part C

The All-in-One Medicare Advantage

Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is a bundled alternative to traditional Medicare, provided by private insurers. It rolls Part A, Part B, and usually Part D into one comprehensive plan. These plans remind many of group insurance from previous employment, with a network of local healthcare providers and copays. Choosing Part C is an excellent option for those looking for an all-encompassing Medicare solution.

Medicare Part D

Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Part D is designed to help you manage the costs of prescription medications with affordable copays. Unlike other parts of Medicare, you don't enroll in Part D through Social Security as it's an optional program but offers significant savings. You choose your Part D plan from among the various options provided by private insurers in your state, tailoring your coverage to your specific needs.

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Who Is EligIble For Medicare?

Medicare is primarily available to those who are 65 and older, as well as to certain individuals under 65 with specific conditions. From the moment you turn 65, you’re eligible for Medicare, and this doesn’t change whether you’re retired or not. It’s open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who’ve lived in the country for at least five consecutive years.

For those under 65, Medicare eligibility extends to:

Individuals who have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months.
Those diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring regular dialysis or a kidney transplant.
People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), where eligibility begins as soon as Social Security Disability benefits are granted.

MEDICARE ENROLLMENT PERIODS

Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods is key to making the most of your Medicare benefits. These periods are specific times when you can sign up for or make changes to your Medicare coverage. Knowing these windows is crucial to ensure you’re covered when you need it and to avoid missing out on important benefits. We’ll break down each enrollment period below, helping you navigate the timeline and make informed decisions about your healthcare.

Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period gives you a 7-month timeframe to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B as you approach age 65. This includes the three months leading up to your birthday month, the month you turn 65, and extends to the three months that follow. It's worth noting that if you enroll during the latter three months, your coverage might start later. This same 7-month period is also your opportunity to choose Part C or Part D.

Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP)

The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) takes place every year from October 15th to December 7th. This is the time when anyone who already has Medicare Part A and B can make changes to their coverage. You can sign up for, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Prescription Drug (Part D) plan during this period.

Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP)

The General Enrollment Period (GEP) offers a chance to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you missed your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Running from January 1 to March 31 each year, this period allows you to sign up, with your coverage kicking off on the first day of the month after you apply.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP)

This enrollment period allows beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage plan to make changes. From January 1 to March 31, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or opt for Original Medicare and add a Part D plan.

Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

The Special Enrollment Period is designed for those who have a qualifying life event, such as continuing to work and having employer coverage beyond age 65. This allows you to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B without penalty after your initial eligibility expires. Similarly, Special Election Periods (SEP) exist for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, giving you a 2-month window to sign up for these plans following certain qualifying events. This ensures that changes in your life circumstances won't leave you without the coverage you need.

Medigap Open Enrollment Period

Upon enrolling in Medicare Part B, you're granted a 12-month window surrounding your Part B start date—six months before and six months after—to sign up for a Medigap policy without a health screening. This period offers a unique opportunity to secure Medigap coverage seamlessly. Missing this timeframe, without a qualifying event to grant you another chance, could mean facing health questions to get a Medigap plan later on.

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