As a baby boomer or retiree, you may be wondering when you can enroll in Medicare and what the process entails. You’re not alone! Understanding the ins and outs of Medicare enrollment can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s break down the basics so that you can get a better understanding of when and how to enroll.
When Can You Enroll in Medicare?
The first thing to understand is when you can begin enrolling in Medicare. Generally speaking, most people who are 65 years old and older are eligible for coverage through Original Medicare (Part A & Part B). If you are already receiving Social Security benefits at the age of 65, then you will automatically be enrolled in Parts A & B. If you are not currently receiving Social Security benefits, then it will be important to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your birthday month. Additionally, if you wait until after your IEP has ended (after three months post-birthday) to enroll, then you may incur a late enrollment penalty that could increase your premiums each month.
How Do You Enroll in Medicare?
Once you know that you are eligible for coverage through Original Medicare (Part A & Part B), there are two ways to enroll: online or by mail/phone. To enroll online, visit the official government website at www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/. From there, follow the instructions provided on the website to complete your enrollment process. To apply by mail or telephone, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 Monday–Friday from 7am–7pm ET for assistance with completing an application form or downloading one from www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/. Once completed, mail your application directly to Social Security Administration or call them at 1-800-772-1213 TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778 Monday–Friday from 7am–7pm ET for assistance with their application process as well as general questions about signing up for Medicare coverage.
Where to Get Help Enrolling Medicare
Enrolling in Medicare is an important step towards getting access to quality healthcare coverage as a baby boomer or retiree. It’s important to remember that even after enrolling in Part A & Part B coverage, additional steps may need to be taken depending on where you live and what type of health care coverage best meets your needs – such as signing up for a supplemental plan like Medigap or opting into a private health plan like an Advantage Plan through a private insurer – so make sure you do some additional research on those options before making any final decisions about which type of health care coverage is right for you! It can also be helpful to work with a licensed Medicare agent.
Making sure that you have access to quality healthcare coverage is essential for all baby boomers and retirees – but knowing when and how to enroll in Medicare can be confusing! Thankfully, understanding the basics isn’t too hard – just remember that most people who are 65 years old and older qualify for Original Part A & Part B plans; eligibility begins 3 months prior to turning 65; enrollment must occur within this initial period; and there’s two ways to apply either online or by mail/phone via Social Security Administration or www.medicare.gov/signupchangeplans/.
Lastly don’t forget that supplemental plans like Medigap or Advantage Plans through private insurers might also meet your needs so make sure research those options thoroughly before making any final decisions about which type of health care coverage is right for you!