Medicare Enrollment
Information Provided by a Medigap Plan Representative
Medicare enrollment isn’t as difficult as you may think. MedicareMall is here to walk you through every step of the Medicare enrollment process, but here’s some information you ought to know about enrollment.
Although there’s a possibility the age requirement will go up to 67 in the future, Americans currently are eligible for Medicare benefits when they turn 65. Some people are eligible earlier due to disability, but for most Americans Medicare coverage begins at age 65.
Initial Enrollment
If your eligibility begins when you’re 65, your initial enrollment period begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65. If you become eligible for Medicare prior to reaching 65, you have a similar seven-month enrollment period starting three months before the month your Medicare eligibility begins.
Although your initial enrollment signs you up for Medicare Part A (hospital) and Medicare Part B (medical), some people decide not to keep Part B coverage. Giving up Part B coverage isn’t something to be done without serious consideration, and if you’re considering going without Part B, call MedicareMall toll-free at (877) 413-1556 so we can help you determine whether that’s a wise step.
During your initial enrollment period, you’re also eligible to sign up for Medicare Part D (prescription drugs). Enrollment in Part D is optional, and MedicareMall will be glad to help you determine whether enrollment in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan would be to your advantage.
Medicare Advantage plans are optional Medicare plans available to people already enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. MedicareMall will be glad to help you determine whether Medicare Advantage is right for you, and if it is, to help you enroll.
If you don’t sign up for Medicare during your initial enrollment period, you’ll still have the opportunity to do so during each subsequent year’s open enrollment period. You may also have the opportunity to sign up during certain special enrollment periods (SEPs). MedicareMall will be happy to help you determine if and when you may be eligible for an SEP.
Once enrolled in Medicare Part B, as long as you’re 65 you enjoy a six-month period during which no Medicare supplement insurance company can deny you a policy regardless of your medical history. You have guaranteed Medigap enrollment as long as you apply within six months of your enrollment in Medicare Part B. It doesn’t matter whether you enroll in Medicare Part B at age 65 or much later. Your right to purchase a Medigap policy is absolute during this period, although a company may require a waiting period of up to six months before covering any pre-existing conditions for which you received treatment or medical advice from a physician within the previous six months.
If you’re not sure whether you might be eligible for Medicare coverage prior to turning 65, MedicareMall will be able to answer any questions you may have.
If you have any further questions about enrolling in Medicare or Medicare supplement insurance plans, MedicareMall is at your service. MedicareMall has been in the Medicare supplement insurance business for over 20 years, earning a reputation for excellence while addressing the unique needs of each of our clients. Whatever your needs and budget, MedicareMall will find a Medigap policy that’s right for you. Don’t fall through the gaps in Medicare coverage. Contact us now and we’ll make sure you’ve got the coverage you need at a price you can afford.