When to Sign Up for Medicare - Avoid a Delay in Coverage

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#1 When to Sign up for Medicare - Initial Enrollment Period 1:09

It’s the most common enrollment period because everyone turning 65 is eligible to sign up for Medicare during this period of time. This is when you have to decide if you need /want Part A only or both Part A and Part B. Keep in mind, Part A is usually “premium free” if you worked and paid Medicare taxes (10 Years). So, most people will sign up for Part A during the IEP. However, Part B isn’t premium free, so there are some factors to consider when making your decision about Medicare enrollment in Part B.

1) Are you still covered under an employer sponsored group health insurance plan?

2) Are you covered under employer sponsored group health insurance, with an employer that has fewer than 20 employees?
If so, Medicare generally pays first. And, your small employer would be the secondary payer.

3) Are you leaving your employer sponsored group health insurance and joining the employer’s retiree plan?

4) Are you ending your current health coverage when you turn 65…(either employer, Cobra, Affordable Care, etc.)?

The decision to enroll in Medicare Part B is important, because when you apply for Part B, you activate your one time Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

Once you know which Parts of Medicare you want, then you can apply for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period. This period begins three months before your birthday month, includes your birthday month, and the 3 months after your birthday month.

When you sign up during the first three months or your Initial Enrollment Period, in most cases, your coverage starts on the first day of your birthday month. However, if your birthday is on the first day of the month, then your Medicare coverage will start the first day of the prior month.

If you choose to apply for Medicare during the month you turn 65, or during the last 3 months of your Initial Enrollment Period, the start date for your Medicare coverage will be delayed.

# 2 When to sign up for Medicare - Special Enrollment Period 6:45

The Special Enrollment Period is available when you stop working or your employer-sponsored health insurance ends. The Special Enrollment Period begins the month after the employment ends or the coverage ends (whichever happens first) and lasts for 8 months.

Keep in mind, COBRA and Retiree Health Plans are NOT considered coverage based on current employment. So, you’re not eligible for the Special Enrollment Period when that coverage ends.

# 3 When to sign up for Medicare - General Enrollment Period 7:55

The General Enrollment Period is only available from January 1 - March 31 every year, and your Part B coverage doesn’t start until July 1 of that year.

When to sign up for Medicare - Bonus Information

Bonus # 1 - Automatic Medicare Enrollment

Most people who receive Social Security benefits, before turning 65, are automatically enrolled in Medicare.

In most cases, you'll automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65 or the month prior if your birthday is the 1st day of the month.

If you receive your Medicare card but don't need (or want) Part B because you’re still covered under a group employer health plan, then you can return the card to Medicare.

Bonus # 2 Medigap Open Enrollment Period

The Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one time enrollment opportunity that allows you to buy a Medicare Supplement plan without medically qualifying. It lasts for 6 months from your Part B effective date. Once the Medigap Enrollment period ends, in most cases, you’ll have to medically qualify for a Medigap plan.

If you have a retiree health plan along with Part A and Part B, then you probably activated the Medigap Open Enrollment period and it’s no longer available. So, if you lose the Retiree Health Plan, you will have to medically qualify for a Medicare Supplement plan or exercise your Guaranteed Issue Right if it’s available to you.

Bonus # 3 Medicare Part D (drug) Plan Enrollment

You can sign up for a Medicare Part D drug plan during the following periods of time:

Initial Enrollment Period
Special Enrollment Period
Annual Election Period (Oct 15 - Dec 7)

[birdyboyblue]

Thanks. You are very clear and concise.

[sawnose]

I turned 65 May 16. If you have 3 months before and 3 months after, do I then have until August 16 or do I have all of August?

[trout]

I Did Not Sign Up for Medicare Part B, Why Was It Forced On Me ? What Can I Do To Remove It ?

[foxslayer]

Does part B cover dental and vision coverage?

[Remedigap]

Do you still have questions about when to sign up for Medicare?

[jenniferclauzel]

I turned 65 yrs. in September 2017 and was told I had to work ten years before applying for Medicare, which will be in February 2018. Will I be able to apply for Medicare right now or do I have to wait to apply in February without any penalties ?

[KJ-xcqs]

An AARP Medicare Part D Card was just sent to me and I'm wondering why. I never signed-up for AARP but do have Medicaid and will be turning 65 in July.

[christineescoffery]

My husband just migrate here 1 yr now we never work here can he still apply

[dra.elietedias]

Please, can you help me? I am in Brasil, but I am a USA
citizen. I turned 65 in June, but my mother was very sick, so, I came to take care of her and lost the dates for the application. She died unfortunately, but I couldn't get back to USA because I am also with some health issues and I don't have any coverage there. I tried to do the application online and didn't go through. What I have to do? I want to get back because my son and daughter are in Us and my live also, .... Thanks.

[harmondwaxham]

I turn 65 in mid-August this year. Currently I have good medical coverage through my husband's employer (a large company). I would qualify for a Medicare supplement plan right now, but don't need it yet. Do you recommend signing up for a supplement plan now, while my health is good, rather than waiting 2-4 years until my husband retires?