Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to individuals 65 years of age or older, as well as to certain younger individuals with disabilities or end-stage renal disease. If you are approaching 65 years of age or are already over 65, you may be wondering when you can enroll in Medicare. Here is what you need to know.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the time when you can first enroll in Medicare. It begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after the month you turn 65. For example, if you turn 65 on June 15th, your IEP begins on March 1st and ends on September 30th.
If you are already over 65 and not receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you will need to manually enroll in Medicare by contacting the Social Security Administration or RRB.
If you are already receiving Social Security or RRB benefits when you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). You will receive your Medicare card in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday. If you do not want Part B, you must opt out within the first eight months after you start receiving Social Security or RRB benefits.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you may be able to enroll in Medicare during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs are available under certain circumstances, such as:
- If you are still working and have coverage through your employer or union, you may be able to enroll in Medicare during an SEP that begins the month after your employment ends or your group health coverage ends, whichever comes first.
- If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder, you may be able to enroll in Medicare at any time.
- If you live in an area where there is no Medicare Advantage plan available, you may be able to enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy outside of your Initial Enrollment Period.
It is important to note that SEPs are not available for everyone and may have specific enrollment requirements. You should contact the Social Security Administration or RRB for more information about SEPs and how to enroll.
Conclusion
If you are approaching 65 years of age or are already over 65, it is important to understand when you can enroll in Medicare. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the time when you can first enroll in Medicare and begins three months before the month you turn 65. If you missed your IEP, you may be able to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) under certain circumstances. If you have any questions about enrolling in Medicare feel free to contact us today at (423) 689-3061 or you can visit our website to schedule an appointment at www.DavanEnterprises.com.
