Left Before the Deadline*

Don't Wait

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

(855) 760-2227

Medicare Advantage Plans

Starting At $0/ Month

Just give us a little information,
and find out if you have $0 Premium Plans in your area.

I’m Approaching 65 and Ready for Medicare, What Now?

Here’s some good news: if you’re turning 65 soon, you’ll also be eligible to join Medicare—a federally funded program that provides hospital and medical insurance to older Americans. Transitioning to Medicare for the first time can be confusing and you’re not alone if you have a few questions. Here’s a great resource to get you started—important tips and things to think about as you plan for Medicare coverage.

Enrollment In Medicare Is Automatic

If you’re worried about how to sign up for Medicare before your birthday, don’t be. For most seniors, enrollment in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is automatic. As long as you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you don’t need to do anything at all and your Medicare card will be sent to you by mail.

Expect to receive your card 3 months before you turn 65, with benefits beginning on the first day of your birthday month. If you do not receive retirement benefits, you may need to enroll in Medicare manually through the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board.

Accepting or Opting Out of Part B

While Part A (hospital insurance) is free for most people, Part B (medical insurance) is not. A monthly premium will be deducted from your Social Security check each month. In 2023, the standard Part B premium is $164.90 (or higher depending on income).

If you are still working, covered through an employer or a spouse’s employer, you do not need to keep Part B coverage or pay for it. You can choose to opt out of Part B coverage on the back of your membership card.

Important tip: If you opt out of Part B coverage, and do not have comparable coverage through an employer or spouse, you may end up paying a late enrollment penalty when you decide to join. 

Initial Enrollment Period 

When you first become eligible for Medicare, you enter what is called your Initial Enrollment Period. This is a 7-month period of time beginning 3 months before your birthday month, and extending 3 months after your birthday month. For example, if you were born in July, your Initial Enrollment Period would be April 1 through October 31. This is the time to enroll in Medicare (for those not enrolled automatically) or enhance coverage with additional benefits.

Important tip: If you’re looking to add additional coverage to Original Medicare, your Initial Enrollment period is the time to do it. If you delay, you may have to wait until the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31) of the following year and may also be charged a late enrollment penalty.

Adding Benefits to Original Medicare 

Original Medicare covers much of your health care needs, but it doesn’t cover everything. It’s up to you to decide if you want to enhance coverage with extra benefits and how. Understanding your options will make it easier to choose the perfect complement to your Medicare coverage.

There are only two ways to receive Medicare: through Original Medicare or through Medicare Advantage (Part C). Original Medicare provides Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage Provides Part A, Part B, and additional benefits. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance and Prescription Drug coverage (Part D) may be added to Original Medicare for additional benefits.

  • Medicare Supplement – Medigap helps pay the out-of-pocket expenses associated with Medicare, like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. While there are no benefits for dental, vision, or prescription drugs, some plans provide coverage while traveling outside of the country. You are responsible for paying a monthly premium for Medigap coverage as well as your Part B premium.
  • Medicare Advantage – Part C extends Original Medicare by delivering all of your Part A, Part B, and additional benefits from one plan. Dental, vision, and prescription drugs are often covered. If you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you’re still enrolled in Medicare, you simply enhance coverage with extra benefits. You are responsible for paying a monthly premium for Medicare Advantage as well as your Part B premium.
  • Prescription Drug Coverage – Part D Original Medicare does not include benefits for prescription drugs. If you wish to add coverage, there are only two ways to do it: join a standalone Part D plan, or join a Medicare Advantage plan that already includes prescription drug benefits. 

Important tip: you cannot combine Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage benefits. If you’re looking to extend benefits beyond Original Medicare, you need to decide which makes the most sense for your specific needs—extra medical benefits or help with expenses.

 

 

References:

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/get-parts-a-and-b/when-sign-up-parts-a-and-b/when-sign-up-parts-a-and-b.html

https://www.medicare.gov/supplement-other-insurance/medigap/whats-medigap.html

Cost of Part B: https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/part-b-costs/part-b-costs.html

MUC47-2017-BCBS 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Testimonial Jenn, Thank you for helping me with this, what I thought was a confusing task, you have made it simple and very pleasant. You are an excellent professional. Once again, you are absolutely the best. Thank you for making it so easy and solving a very unsettled status in my life.” S. Randall, Refugio
Testimonial With Jenn’s help, I found a plan that was perfect for my wife and I retirement needs and saved us money from what we had been paying. Thank you for always answering our questions, calls and emails. C. Richards, Houston
Testimonial Lesli’s professional manner and her ability to explain the policy to me made my decision to select a supplemental policy for my retirement an easy one. I would highly recommend her to my friends. Thank you Ronald Hornburg, Cypress

Latest News

Read all the news

Why Choose Consumers Direct Insurance Services of Texas?

Looking for a unique and genuine insurance experience? We’re here to help! We know that dealing with insurance isn’t always…
Read more

Medicare Part A and B Explained

Like most seniors, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Medicare – you may even know that it’s a federally…
Read more

Is Medicare a Advantage Good Deal?

Medicare Advantage (MA or Part C), is a popular alternative to traditional Medicare. Since 2010, enrollment increased by 71 percent,…
Read more

Medicare Readiness Checklist

9 to 12 months before you turn 65 Confirm that you are eligible to receive Medicare benefits by calling the Social Security…
Read more

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period – 5 Questions and Answers

The annual Enrollment Period (AEP), is the one time of year when you can make changes to an existing Medicare…
Read more