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Enrolling is Simple as 1,2,3

  • Megan

Wondering if you are eligible and what to do if you are? I’ve boiled it down to 3 easy steps:

Step 1 – Are you eligible?

You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Legal residents must live in the U.S. for at least 5 consecutive years, including the 5 years prior to applying for Medicare; AND, one of the following:

  • Are you 65 or older
  • Under 65 with a disability
  • Someone with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Are you over the age of 65 and leaving or retiring from group coverage?

Step 2 – How to enroll in Original Medicare?  (Part A & Part B)

  • If you are over 65 (or turning 65 in the next 3 months) and not already getting benefits from Social Security, you need to sign up to get Medicare Part A and Part B. You can sign up online or contact Social Security.
  • If you already get benefits from Social Security, you will automatically be enrolled in Part A and Part B upon eligibility and do not need to sign up.

Step 3 – Why it’s important to enroll!

Original Medicare only covers a portion of your expenses. Having a Medicare plan helps cover the risk of unexpected, costly medical bills.

There are 2 options to choose from:

  • Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)
  • Medicare Supplement/Standalone Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).

With these two options, there are numerous carriers to sort through. Finding the best plan for you depends on your individual situation.

It is important to understand Medicare enrollment periods, especially when you are first eligible. If you do not enroll in Medicare when first eligible, you could be subject to late enrollment penalties (LEP) on Part B and Part D when you do enroll.  In most cases it is fine to stay on an employer plan (after you have become eligible for Medicare) but there are questions you need to know the answer to before making that decision.

I work with clients every day, let me help you navigate the enrollment and special election periods. Let me help you! Call me at (636) 232-3139!