Enrollment & Qualifications
Anyone over the age of 65 who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident qualifies for Medicare. You should begin thinking about enrolling for Medicare before you turn 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before you turn 65, includes your birth month, and ends three months after you turn 65. If you fail to enroll during this initial period you may be forced to pay a higher premium later for Medicare Part B.
Individuals who are still working or have insurance through their spouse’s employer may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after their 65th birthday.
Generally, the annual enrollment period is from October 15th through December 7th for an effective date of January 1st of the following year. This applies to joining, switching, or dropping Medicare Advantage plans and Part D Prescription Drug plans.
“The new “OEP” (Open Enrollment Period) from January 1st to March 31st allows you to do the following :
- Drop a Medicare Advantage plan & go back to Original Medicare and add a Part D plan if you wish
- Switch Medicare Advantage plans
It is highly encouraged that you seek the help of a Medicare Professional before making changes in OEP.
You can enroll in or switch to a Medicare Supplement plan any time if you are not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
These enrollment periods and deadlines may be overwhelming. An experienced professional can help guide you through the process.
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period: October 15th – December 7th