Guide to Enrolling in Medicare

Getting ready to enroll in Medicare can feel overwhelming. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to rush, and you don’t have to do it alone.  Let’s walk through the steps together so you can climb aboard with confidence.

Step 1: Do You Even Need to Get On the Train Yet?

Not everyone has to enroll at 65.  If you’re still working for an employer with 20 or more employees, you may be able to stay on your employer plan and join Medicare later without any penalties.  This can be especially helpful if you’re covering a spouse or other family members under your employer plan. If not, you can weigh out and compare Medicare Plans, cost and coverage to your work plan and decide which is a better “deal”.

If you chose to stay on the employer plan, you can sign up later for Medicare during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you retire or lose employer coverage.  You’ll need a letter or form from your employer showing you had continuous coverage since turning 65. This protects you from late penalties.

Tip: You can voluntarily sign up for Part A (hospital coverage) when you turn 65. It’s usually free if you’ve worked at least 10 years, and it gets you into the system early so it’s easier to add Part B later.

Step 2: Watch for Your Ticket Window (Initial Enrollment Period)

You have a 7-month window at age 65 to enroll.  You can enroll up to 3 months before your birthday, for an effective date of the first of the month of the month of your birthday.  You can enroll the month of your birthday and up to three months after.  Your effective date will be the first of the month after the month that you enroll.

 Step 3: How to Enroll

If you’re already receiving Social Security, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Your red-white-and-blue card will arrive in the mail.  If you’re not receiving Social Security yet, you’ll need to enroll yourself. You can:

• Apply online at SSA.gov

• Call 1-800-772-1213

• Visit your local Social Security office

• Railroad retirees: call RRB at 877-772-5772

 Step 4: Choose a Medicare Plan that best completes your coverage, including prescription drugs.  Call us at 631-337-3625 or visit ABCMPB.com to understand your Medicare Plan options based on your needs, doctors, medications and budget, at no cost to you!

How to Enroll in Medicare