When and How Do I Enroll in Medicare?

When & How Do I Enroll in Medicare?

Medicare initial enrollment has very strict guidelines about your initial enrollment.  They are as follows:

• • If you are already receiving social security before your 65th birthday, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare when you reach your 65th Birthday.
  • If you are not signed up with social security, the first step in your Medicare journey is to sign up for social security.  To complete this step, click on the link here to begin the process
    • Social Security Sign Up Page, Click Here
  • The second step once you have received your Medicare number from Social Security is to create a medicare.gov account to manage your Medicare Insurance. To complete this step, click on the link below to create your account.
    • Medicare Account Sign Up Page, Click Here
  • When you are originally signed up with Medicare, you are enrolled in what is referred to as “Original Medicare”. This plan covers Part A & Part B of Medicare & while most people receive Part A at no cost, most people are responsible for a monthly cost to keep active the covered services offered by Medicare Part B.

Once you have signed up for Medicare, You then have options in regard to the different types of Plans which are offered by private insurance companies.  It is important to note that all private insurance plans are reviewed & approved by CMS(Centers of Medicare & Medicaid). In addition, each plan receives a star rating (1-5) with 5 being the highest so that you can compare plans.

There are two types of Plans in addition to what is call a Prescription Drug Plan(PDP plan) which is insurance for Medicine.  The two types of plans are as follows:

• • Medicare Advantage Plans – These plans replace “Original Medicare” and are similar to plans you may have had before turning 65. They offer coverage and usually include a prescription drug plan.
  • Medicare Supplemental Plans or MediGap Plans – These Plans work with “Original Medicare” and insure the gaps in coverage NOT covered by “Original Medicare”.

Lastly, as I mentioned earlier, the last part of coverage is the prescription drug coverage(PDP) to help pay for your medicines.  Some of the plans above include this coverage in their policies, however there are a number of circumstances where your policy does not cover a drug plan. This is where the PDP plans come into play.

If your still confused, or have specific questions, please feel free to call or schedule an appointment below. My job is to educate you so that you can make the best decision in regard to your health needs.