Medicare Enrollment: Everything You Need to Know

Medicare enrollment is usually for anyone nearing 65 years of age. The first thing you want to become familiar with is Original Medicare. Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A and B, and saves beneficiaries thousands of dollars every year on medical expenses. Additionally, there are other optional plans like Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Medicare Supplement insurance (also known as Medigap). In any case, this leaves people with a lot of questions about the Medicare enrollment process. Questions such as: How do you sign up for Medicare? Do you need to sign up for Medicare or will you be automatically enrolled? Finally, how does Medicare automatic renewal work? We will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s look at how and when most people get enrolled in Medicare.

How do I enroll in Medicare?

In most cases, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65 and start receiving Social Security benefits. You don’t have to do anything. You simply need to begin paying your Medicare premiums and wait for your Medicare card to arrive in the mail. However, if you’re not receiving Social Security benefits, you will need to sign up for Medicare manually. You can do this through the Social Security website. Though you will have to fill out some forms, the process will be the same. Once your application is accepted and you begin paying your premiums, you’ll just have to wait for your card to arrive in the mail. If you need to sign up manually, you must do so during the Open Enrollment Period. Open enrollment for Original Medicare begins on November 1st of each year and lasts until December 15th. Your benefits will go into effect on January 1st of the following year. If you miss the Open Enrollment Period, you might be able to sign up if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

How does Medicare automatic renewal work?

Fortunately, Medicare makes it easy to keep your healthcare without needing to reapply or fill out any forms. As long as you pay your premiums every month, your Medicare will automatically renew indefinitely. This makes it easier for older adults to know that they have medical coverage for life.

How do I sign up for additional Medicare benefits?

If you want additional Medicare benefits, you’ll need to sign up for them on your own or contact our licensed agents at Time for 65. Fortunately, people have a lot of options when it comes to their healthcare. Many people choose to add a Part D (prescription drug) plan to their Original Medicare. To help pay for deductibles, coinsurances, and copayments, you can also get a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan.

Finally, some people prefer to get their Medicare benefits through a private insurer. This is called a Medicare Advantage plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans provide the same benefits as Medicare Part A, B, and D, as well as some vision, hearing, dental, and wellness coverage. To learn more about your Medicare Advantage plan options, please contact our licensed agents.

Bottom Line

One you turn 65 years old, you become eligible for Medicare. It’s important that you set aside time around your milestone birthday to review your options to ensure you have coverage that meets your health needs and budget. If you need to enroll manually, you can easily do so online or through your local Social Security office. If you want additional benefits, you can contact our licensed agents to sign up for Medicare Part D, Medigap, or a Medicare Advantage plan.

If you’d like to learn more about Medicare enrollment or have any questions about how to get started with Medicare, feel free to fill out the form or give us a call anytime. Our licensed agents are focused on giving you the information you need, with zero pressure to enroll in a plan.