Getting Started

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal insurance program that provides guaranteed health insurance for people 65 or older. Medicare also covers younger people who qualify due to a disability.

What is medicare

original Medicare

Medicare

Medicare was introduced to help those that did not have the option of employer-group coverage once retired. Over the years, Medicare has transformed how those over 65 or those who have a disability, receive healthcare coverage at a lower cost. 

Eligibility

Who is Eligible for Medicare?

You may become eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 or have a qualifying medical condition. Qualifying for the program is not automatic, unless you are already receiving social security benefits.

Below are reasons why someone may qualify for Medicare:

  • All US citizens become eligible for Medicare when they turn age 65. Non-citizen permanent residents are also eligible at age 65 provided they have lived in the country for at least five years.
  • You are receiving Social Security or have worked long enough to collect those benefits but are not yet collecting them.
  • If you are under the age of 65, you may qualify for Medicare if:
  • You are permanently disabled and have received Social Security Disability benefits for at least 24 months
  • You have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (kidney failure)
  • You have been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and are receiving Social Security Disability benefits

Application

When should you apply for medicare?

Medicare uses Enrollment Periods to determine if your life event allows you the opportunity to enroll or even change your insurance options. As we walk through Medicare, we will discuss Enrollment Periods further.

The first Enrollment Periods, however, begins when you first become eligible for Medicare. This Enrollment Period is called Initial Enrollment Period. The Initial Enrollment Period currents in a seven-month bubble that begins three months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn age 65 and three months after your 65th birthday. During this time, you may enroll into Medicare Parts A and B but also any additional private insurance plans that will help with healthcare coverage.

Medicare Initial enrollment period

Eligibility

Who is Eligible for Medicare?

You may become eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 or have a qualifying medical condition. Qualifying for the program is not automatic, unless you are already receiving social security benefits.

Below are reasons why someone may qualify for Medicare:

  • All US citizens become eligible for Medicare when they turn age 65. Non-citizen permanent residents are also eligible at age 65 provided they have lived in the country for at least five years.
  • You are receiving Social Security or have worked long enough to collect those benefits but are not yet collecting them.
  • If you are under the age of 65, you may qualify for Medicare if:
  • You are permanently disabled and have received Social Security Disability benefits for at least 24 months
  • You have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (kidney failure)
  • You have been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and are receiving Social Security Disability benefits

Medicare FAQ's

Got questions? We've got answers

Benefits Image

You are eligible to apply for Medicare during your initial enrollment period which is a 7 month window. 3 months before turning 65, the month you turn 65 and 3 months after turning 65. 

The easiest way to sign up for Medicare is online through SSA.gov or by Calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit your local Social Security Office.

If you are already receiving Social Security Benefits you will be automatically enrolled into Original Medicare, otherwise you will be eligible to enroll during your initial enrollment period that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday.

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period you can sign up during the General Enrollment period that occurs every year January 1st through March 31st. Coverage becomes effective the month following your enrollment date.

Yes, there are penalties for not signing up for Part B of Medicare and will be added to your premium.

If you need a new Medicare card you can order a replacement card by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at the Social Security Administration web site. Make sure you have your Medicare number ready when you call.

New To Medicare?

Enter your email and receive a free Medicare Getting started guide!