Medicare Questions & Resources

No. You must be 65 to be eligible for Medicare benefits. The exception is if you are under age 65 and have a qualified disability.

If you’re not currently collecting Social Security benefits, then yes, you do need to contact Social Security three months before turning 65.

You must contact Social Security to enroll and start your benefits. You could pay a higher premium for late enrollment. If you’re covered under a group health plan based on current employment, you will be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B any time as long as you or your spouse is working. You also have eight months starting the month after the employment ends to sign up for Part B without a penalty.

There are four different opportunities for enrollment.

• Initial enrollment period: You have 7 months to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65. This starts 3 months before the month of your 65^th
• Annual enrollment period: October 15^th to December 7^th each year. This is your opportunity to make changes to your Medicare medical and prescription drug coverage.
• Open enrollment period: January 1^st to March 31^st. If you have Medicare Advantage you can switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare.
• Special enrollment period: You can change your coverage after a qualifying event such as moving or losing other insurance coverage.

Visit Medicare.gov to learn about the different opportunities for enrollment.

Joining a plan | Medicare

Call or visit your local Social Security office or enroll online at ssa.gov.

It’s best to call Medicare directly at (800) 633-4227 (800-MEDICARE) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY/TDD users should call (877) 486-2048. Talk with a representative, explain your circumstances, and ask if you can still enroll or need to wait until the next enrollment period.

If you fail to sign up for Medicare coverage during your Initial Enrollment Period, you may be subject to penalties. Visit https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs for more information.

No. All people age 65 and older are eligible to receive or purchase Medicare benefits.

Yes. In fact, it’s smart to review your medical needs every year and decide whether your current Medicare plan is working for you. You have the option with Medicare Advantage plans to change once a year during the annual enrollment period (AEP), unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.

No. Each person must sign up for Medicare individually.

No. You can choose any type of plan you want, from any insurance company you want. It’s best to look at available plans, speak with your employer group benefits administrator, compare your options, and choose the best value.

No. Part D enrollment is different. If you want Medicare prescription drug benefits (Part D), you must enroll in a private insurance plan that contracts with Medicare. You can join either a Medicare Advantage plan that offers combined health and drug coverage in one plan or join a stand-alone plan that covers prescriptions only.

No. Most people will not pay a monthly premium for Part A if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working (10-year minimum). If you don’t meet the requirements and purchase Part A, you will receive a monthly bill from Medicare.

Yes. You will pay deductibles, copays, coinsurance and Part B premiums.

If you are 65 and have credible coverage through an employer, you do not have to sign up for Part B. If you do not have credible employer coverage, you must sign up for Part B or may incur a late enrollment penalty.

No. You can wait until you’re ready to move off your (or your spouse’s) employer plan. When you do, you’ll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and have an 8-month window to sign up for Part B. It begins when your employer or union coverage ends, or when employment ends, whichever is first. Be sure to elect Part B at that time to avoid the late enrollment penalty.

Most people pay approximately $165 per month, but if your income is above a certain amount, you could pay more. Medicare revises this amount periodically. Visit https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs for more information.

Yes. You will continue to pay your Part B premium and the monthly premium from your health plan.

Medicare

Social Security is responsible for determining eligibility and handling enrollment for Medicare. If you are already getting Social Security checks, enrollment into Medicare is automatic. ssa.gov

Call Social Security Administration
800-633-4227
TTY and TDD 877-486-2048
Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m

• The official Medicare handbook for Medicare programs is updated each year.
• You can download a copy at the Medicare website, Medicare.gov, or call the Medicare Helpline to request a copy.
• For online tools to find and compare Drug plans, Medicare Advantage Plans and Medigap Policies go to medicare.gov.

Medicare.gov

Social Security is responsible for determining eligibility and handling enrollment for Medicare. If you are already getting Social Security checks, enrollment into Medicare is automatic. ssa.gov

Call Social Security Administration
800-633-4227
TTY and TDD 877-486-2048
Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m

Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP)

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help. It provides local, in-depth and objective insurance counseling and helps Medicare-eligible individuals, their families and caregivers.

Visit ShipHelp.org or call 877-839-2675 to find trained people in your community who can help you select a plan and enroll. It’s free. Most of these groups are available to meet in-person.

Elder Care Locator

This public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, offers help in finding local, state, and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers in your area.

Call Elder Care Locator
800-677-1116
Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m

Visit Elder Care Locator online
eldercare.acl.gov

Your Current Health Plan

Your health plan’s customer service center can answer any questions you may have about your current coverage; call the number on your identification card.