Are You Turning 65 or New to Medicare?
When turning 65 years old, can I enroll in a Medicare health plan?
Yes, when turning 65 years old you are allowed to sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). You will have a 7-month initial enrollment period which begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.
I am turning 65 but currently have a health plan from my employer. When can I enroll in Medicare?
You can sign up for Original Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security. You are allowed to be enrolled in both Original Medicare and your employer health plan at the same time. Depending on the size of your employer, you may be able to delay signing up for Part A and Part B without paying a penalty. Otherwise, you may have to pay a penalty later if you delay enrolling in Part A or Part B when turning 65.
If you have a health plan from your employer but would prefer to have a Medicare health plan, you are allowed to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan when turning 65 years old. Be sure to check with your employer about their rules for enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan as this may cause you to lose your employer’s health plan.
I am over 65, planning to retire, and currently have a health plan from my employer. When can I enroll in a Medicare health plan?
If you are over 65, retire and lose your employer sponsored health coverage, you can be eligible for a special enrollment period to sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Special enrollment periods can vary but you will typically have two full months after the month your employer coverage ends to enroll in a Medicare health plan. It is important to understand the timeframe of your special enrollment period when losing employer health coverage.
More information
For more information on this topic, please visit www.medicare.gov