If you are turning 65 in 2022, it’s time to start thinking about enrolling in Medicare! In this blog post, we will outline the process of enrolling in Medicare. As well as answer some common questions people have about the process. Enrolling in Medicare can seem confusing at first. However with this guide, you will be able to do it quickly and easily!

How Does Automatic Enrollment in Medicare Work?

If you are already receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement. You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. Both Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month that you turn 65. You will receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday. If you are not receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you will need to manually enroll in Medicare.

CTA-The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Medicare-Terminology
CTA-The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Medicare-Terminology

How To Enroll in Medicare Yourself

You can sign up for Medicare online through the Social Security Administration website, over the phone, or in-person at your local Social Security office. If you are already receiving benefits from Social Security, you can also call them to sign up for Medicare. When you create a user interface or profile you can create your medication list and add your pharmacy. In this area, you can look up your Medicare ID information and the welcome letter the Medicare is sending out. You can check approval status, claim status, and other things that Medicare provides for its members.

How to Sign up for a Medicare Supplement Plan!

The Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period

  • It begins the first month you are age 65 or older and enrolled in Part B.
  • It lasts for 6 months.
  • During this time, you’re guaranteed the right to buy a plan and cannot be denied coverage based on pre-existing health conditions.

 You can apply at any time as well, but your health history matters.

Medigap plans are unique in that you can technically apply for one at any time during the year. However, you could be denied coverage or charged a higher premium based on your health history. In most states, you are only guaranteed the right to buy a plan without denial during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, or if you have a Guaranteed Issue situation. (This does not apply to residents of New York and Connecticut where Open Enrollment and Guaranteed Issue is ongoing and Medicare supplement plans are guaranteed available).

Medigap plans are offered by private insurance companies, and you’ll have to enroll directly with the insurance plan provider. Below are some helpful steps for enrolling in a Medigap plan.

  1.  Look at each Medigap policy and decide which one best fits your health care needs.
  2. Find out which insurance companies sell Medigap plans in your state and if they sell the type of policy you want.
  3. Call the company or go online to learn more about the plans available and the benefits offered.
  4. Pick the Medigap plan you want and enroll directly with the provider on the phone, online, or with the help of an agent.
Medicare Advantage

How to Sign Up for a Medicare Advantage Plan!

 Both Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D prescription drug plans are only offered by private insurance companies. To enroll in either, you will have to enroll directly with the plan provider—usually, you can do this on the phone, with an agent, or online.

How to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan

  1.  Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B first.
  2. Find insurance providers who offer Medicare Advantage plans in your area.
  3. Learn more about the plans available in your area by exploring them online or calling the provider directly.
  4. Find the plan that has the health care benefits you want and enroll with the plan provider—via phone, online, or with an agent.

How to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan

  1.  Enroll in either Part A or Part B first. (You don’t have to have both to get Part D.)
  2. Find insurance providers that sell Part D plans in your area.
  3. Learn more about the plans available in your area by exploring them online or calling the provider directly.
  4. Find the plan that has the health care benefits you want and enroll with the plan provider—via phone, online, or with an agent.

To end the blog I would encourage you to do your research and lean on one of our experienced agents to help you make this very important decision.