Medicare - Frequently Asked Questions

1

How do I enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B?

If you are getting Social Security when you turn 65, you’ll automatically be enrolled. If not, you’ll need to sign up for Parts A and B.
Contact Social Security three months before you turn 65.
If you worked for a railroad, contact the Railroad Retirement Board.

Note: People on Social Security disability will automatically be enrolled in their 25th month of disability.

2

When can I enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B?

You can enroll in the window:

Three months before the month you turn 65
Your birthday month
The three months after the month you turn 65

What if I don’t enroll in that window?

You may have to pay a penalty in the form of a higher premium.

3

When can I enroll in Medicare Part C and Part D?

During the same seven-month window as Part B. That means during the three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month and the three months after the month you turn 65.

4

Are there other times I can enroll in Medicare Parts C and D?

From October 15 to December 7, all people with Medicare can change their health care plans.

During this Annual Enrollment Period you can:

Switch to Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare
Join a Medicare prescription drug plan
Change plans

You can also enroll in Parts C and D during a Special Enrollment Period for special circumstances such as:

Losing your employer coverage
Moving to a new service area
Qualifying for Extra Help

5

Do I need to sign up for Medicare Part D?

As long as you receive “creditable” prescription drug coverage, you do not need to sign up for a Part D plan. “Creditable” means that Medicare considers your coverage to be as good as Part D. It can include coverage from a current employer, former employer or other source, such as a union or military Tricare coverage. If you lose this coverage at some point, you’ll be eligible for a special enrollment period to enroll in a Part D plan without incurring a late-enrollment penalty.

6

What if I’m late in signing up for Part D?

You may face a late-enrollment penalty.
The penalty increases based on each month that you delay.
This can get costly.

7

When can I enroll in a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan? (also known as Medigap)

Medicare Supplement insurance has a six-month Open Enrollment Period. It automatically starts the first full month you're 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This is the first day of the month in which you are both 65 and enrolled in Part B. During your six-month Open Enrollment Period, you can buy any Medicare Supplement insurance policy sold in your state.

8

Am I eligible for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy if I have health problems?

During the six-month Open Enrollment Period, you can purchase a Medicare Supplement insurance policy even if you have pre-existing health conditions. Even if you have a disability or have health problems, an insurance company cannot do any of the following within this open enrollment period:

Refuse to sell you any Medicare Supplement insurance policy it offers.
Charge you a higher premium than they charge others who are 65 and older.
Delay the start of your coverage

9

What if I delay enrollment in a Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy?

You can apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance policy after your Open Enrollment Period ends. However, there’s no guarantee your application will be accepted if you don’t meet medical underwriting requirements, except in certain limited situations. Also, if you’re able to buy a Medicare Supplement insurance policy, there may be an additional cost in the form of a penalty. You incur this penalty from Medicare.

10

Important dates to remember

Enroll in a Medicare plan during your 7-month initial enrollment window.
You can also enroll in or change Medicare plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15–December 7