Medicare Enrollment
Medicare enrollment is the start of a peacefully insured future. So, let’s make sure you’re on the right track towards smooth enrollment.
Medicare Explained
Medicare enrollment starts with a basic understanding of Medicare itself. We’re going to focus on Original Medicare, which includes Part A and Part B because they are the base for enrolling in other Medicare plans like Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medicare Supplement. Once you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, you can enroll in any other eligible Medicare plan as well.
Part A covers short-term hospital and nursing home care, and Part B covers items, services, etc. considered medically necessary for your treatment, as well as various preventative screenings, tests, and treatments.
How Eligibility and Enrollment Work Together
For Original Medicare, enrollment works right alongside eligibility because, once you’re eligible for Medicare, you’ll want to enroll right away.
You become eligible for Medicare at age 65, or if you’ve received at least 24 months of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). The latter two, however, happen automatically — so how do you enroll at age 65? You can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).
The Medicare Enrollment Periods
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starts 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after. If you’re retired at this point, you will be automatically enrolled in both Part A and Part B. If not, you can do so through Social Security. Make sure you enroll during your IEP — if not, you may be faced with late enrollment fees that will be added to your Part B and Part D premiums. If you’re still working, however, your IEP begins when you retire without penalties.
If you do miss your IEP, not to worry — there’s still opportunities to enroll during the General Enrollment Period (GEP). This period takes place from January 1st through March 31st every year.
The best time to enroll is during your IEP, but if not, the best time to enroll is as soon as possible!
Enroll in Your Best Medicare Plan
When it comes time for you to enroll in Medicare, we’re here for you! Priority Health Insurance Services works to guide you towards your best coverage, no strings attached. To learn more, you can call us at 626-966-1098 or email info@priorityhealthins.com.
