When and How to Apply
Should you do a Medicare eligibility check? If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, you should – especially since late enrollment can lead to expensive penalties. To avoid these fees, you need to know when you’re eligible for Medicare and how to apply.
When Are You Eligible for Medicare?
Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. People with disabilities or with End Stage Renal Disease may qualify for Medicare earlier.
The initial enrollment period lasts for seven months, covering the month you turn 65, the three months before you turn 65 and the three months after you turn 65.
Most people are expected to enroll during this time. However, delayed enrollment is possible without a penalty in some cases.
If you have adequate health insurance through your employer or your spouse’s employer, AND if the employer has at least 20 employees, you may be able to delay enrollment without facing a penalty. Talk to the employer’s benefits manager to verify that the group health insurance qualifies you for penalty-free late enrollment. Once your employer-sponsored coverage ends, you will have eight months to enroll in Medicare without receiving a penalty, whether or not you enroll in COBRA.
You can also use the Eligibility Calculator from Medicare.gov to see when you’ll be eligible to enroll in Medicare.
How Can You Apply for Medicare?
To understand how to apply for Medicare, it’s helpful to understand the different parts of Medicare.
- Medicare Part A is the hospital insurance, and it covers hospital care. You pay no premium as long as you or your spouse have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
- Medicare Part B is the medical insurance, and it covers many services including doctor’s visits. You pay a monthly premium.
- Medicare Part D is the prescription insurance. You pay a monthly premium.
- Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is a private alternative that combines Medicare Parts A and B and usually Medicare Part D.
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, as long as you don’t live in Puerto Rico or a foreign country.
Otherwise, you can apply for Medicare online through the Social Security website. You will need to supply some basic information about yourself, such as your name, birthdate, gender and Social Security number. After the application is processed, you will receive a decision letter in the mail.
You can also apply in-person at your local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
To find and enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, use the Medicare Plan Finder. You can also use this site to find and enroll in Medicare Advantage plans.
If you are not happy with your choice, you can switch plans each year during the Annual Election Period, which starts on October 15 and ends on December 7.
Read more articles about Medicare Insurance.