The most important thing to be aware of is your Initial Enrollment PeriodThe Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month period when new beneficiaries can enroll in Medicare without a penalty. Most people enroll in Medicare at age 65.... (IEP), which is the time period that most people apply to receive their Medicare benefits. Your IEP begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and carries on three months after, for a total of seven months. If you don’t apply during this time period you could face penalties later.
If you already have health insurance coverage through your employer, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment PeriodSpecial Enrollment Periods (SEPs) allow beneficiaries to change their Medicare Advantage and Part D plans due to a special circumstance. Common reasons for a SEP include moving, losing employer coverage, and Medicaid eligibility, to name.... If you have credible health insurance through an employer you can delay your enrollment in Medicare Part B until your current employer’s health insurance ends. You should enroll in Medicare Part A anyway.
Be sure you have all the documentation and information you need to apply. This would include all personal information; contact information of a loved one in the event of emergency; contact information of your doctor and other health providers; up-to-date medical history, including current medications, treatments and condition; details of your current coverage, if any; bank account information for automatic payments.
It’s important for you to learn the basics of Medicare so you understand how the system works, the terminology, and what the various options are, i.e., Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and Medigap. If you get stuck, Medicare.gov offers a wealth of information.
Learn what Medicare Advantage options are available to you, and what they can offer. These are alternative plans offered by private insurance companies that have all the benefits of Original MedicareOriginal Medicare is private fee-for-service health insurance for people on Medicare. It has two parts. Part A is hospital coverage. Part B is medical coverage.... Parts A and B but also add benefits that Original Medicare does not cover, such as dental, hearing, vision, and wellness services, and usually a prescription drug plan as part of the package.
Medicare Plan D covers your prescription drugs. Consider whether Original Medicare plus a prescription drug plan would be best for you, or whether a Medicare Advantage PlanMedicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans from private insurance companies that are available to people eligible for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B).... that includes prescription drug coverage would be better. Nearly all people on Medicare have prescription coverage, and there is a penalty for late enrollment.
If you need financial assistance, contact the Social Security Administration and find out which programs are available to assist you. The SSA’s Extra HelpSocial Security's Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program helps Medicare beneficiaries pay for their Medicare Part D prescription drugs by paying some of the costs. Also known as "Extra Help", beneficiaries who qualify for LIS receive premium... program helps millions of people afford the medications they need.
In conclusion, there’s a lot to keep in mind when you enroll in Medicare for the first time, but if you take it step by step it will be easier.