When you turn 65, you become eligible for the Original Medicare program. Do you need to enroll? This Medicare Enrollment Guide can help.
If you are turning 65 this year, you may want to set aside a little time to make some decisions about your Medicare enrollment. Not understanding Original Medicare enrollment can result in life-long late enrollment penalties and higher premiums.
Enrolling into Original Medicare can be a simple process. It is up to you to know if you need to sign up when you turn 65 or wait and continue with other health coverage past the age of 65.
Which of the following applies to you?
Are you nearing age 65, ready to retire and enroll in Medicare?
3 months before you turn 65, research your Medicare options and register for both Medicare Part A and Part B.
You can do so one of the following ways:
- Online with Medicare
- Online with Social Security
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
- Visit your local Social Security Office
Are you nearing age 65 and going to continue to work?
Most Americans should enroll in Original Medicare Part A when they are first eligible at age 65, but you may be able to delay Part B.
The size of your employer will determine if you can delay Medicare Part B enrollment and not have to face a late enrollment penalty later.
Are you over age 65 and ready to retire and need to enroll now?
3 months before you are ready to retire, enroll into Medicare Part A (if you did not at age 65) and Part B.
3 months before you turn 65, research your Medicare options and register for both Medicare Part A and Part B.
You can do so one of the following ways:
Online with Medicare
Online with Social Security
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
Visit your local Social Security Office