About to turn 65? Congrats! That means it’s time to start thinking about Medicare. Getting it right is important to avoid penalties and hassle in the future. There are several different options to consider when signing up for Medicare, and there is no one-size-fits-all plan.
We break down the frequently asked questions to help you make the most informed decisions as you begin your Medicare journey.
Medicare is a government-run health insurance program for United States citizens (plus permanent residents with more than five years of continuous residency) aged 65 and older or people with a disability of any age.
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Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of experienceOriginal Medicare covers 80% of the cost of Medicare-approved services through Medicare Parts A & B.
Medicare Part A covers Medicare inpatient care, including care received while in a hospital, a skilled nursing facility, and, in limited circumstances, at home. Medicare Part B is part of Original Medicare and covers medical services and supplies that are medically necessary to treat your health condition. This includes outpatient care, preventive services, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment.
There are two options Medicare-eligible individuals can choose to get their Medicare coverage.
If you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B the month you turn 65. Otherwise, your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your birth month, includes your birth month, and ends three months after your birth month, the year you turn 65. You may be penalized (increased premiums) if you fail to sign up for Medicare during this period.
As mentioned above, if you’re already taking Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you will automatically be signed up for Medicare Part A & B the month you turn 65. If you must apply for Medicare at 65, you have several options through the Social Security Administration.
Free, unbiased serviceCompare all major plans and carriers Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of experienceMost people should enroll in Part A when they turn 65, but certain people may choose to delay Part B. The most common reason for postponing Part B is you already have existing coverage through your employer or spouse’s employer. The employer’s size determines whether you may be able to delay signing up for Part A and Part B without paying a penalty later. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, you should sign up for Part A and B when first eligible. In that case, Medicare will pay for your healthcare before your employer’s coverage does.
If your employer has 20 or more employees, ask your benefits manager if you have creditable group health plan coverage (as defined by the IRS). Most health insurance coverage provided by employers is considered creditable coverage. People with group health coverage from their current employment may be able to delay Part A and Part B without a lifetime late enrollment penalty. If you want to delay Part A and Part B coverage, you don’t need to do anything when you turn 65.
Read more by David Luna
I am a Spanish-speaking Arizona Life and Health Insurance Licensed Agent and have been helping people with Medicare since 2005. I am a Marine Corps Veteran & former police officer. I enjoy watching football and basketball but hold family time in the highest regard.
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