MEDICARE

Are you turning 65 and overwhelmed by the information you have received in the mail?  Or are you over 65 and thinking about retiring?

You can call our office. We can simplify things for you. We will help you to understand your Medicare coverage and your options for Medicare plans.

New to Medicare – Where do you Start?

One of the first places that you can start researching your options is to speak with an agent, but if you are the type of person that likes to do your own research here are some good resources for you:

From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Medicare and You

This publication will help you understand the differences between Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D plans as well as traditional Medicare Supplements, like Parts F through N.

Another great resource is the Medicare.gov website.

When do I get my Part A and B coverage?

There are several methods to enroll in your Part A and B coverage:

Apply online at Social Security.

Visit your local Social Security office.

Call Social Security at 1-855-377-9316

1.  When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. For example, if you’re eligible when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.

2.  After 65 and you've been covered by an employer group health plan.  This is a "Special Enrollment Period", and there are no penalties if you sign up or add Part B during this time.  If you or your spouse have health insurance through your job, you can sign up:

• Anytime while working and still covered by the group health plan.

• Within 8 months to the day that you or your spouse stop working, even if your group health plan continues for a time.

• Within 8 months of the group health plan ending while you or your spouse continue to work.

Your coverage begins the month after you sign up.

3.  When you miss the other periods (likely penalties involved).  This is the "General Enrollment Period," and there is typically a life-long penalty if you sign up during this time.  If you have not filed during the other periods, you can still sign up between January 1 and March 31 each year.

We do not offer every plan available in your area.  Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area.  Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.