Enrollment in Medicare

As an independent Medicare agent, I created Senior Insurance Solutions to help Medicare-eligible individuals explore their options and discover which Medicare plan is best for them. Medicare enrollment can be a stressful and overwhelming process. So, I’m here as a resource and to provide expert guidance to help make your enrollment as seamless as possible.

enroll in medicare

enrollment periods

It’s crucial to enroll in Medicare during the appropriate window. If you miss the deadline to enroll, you may have delayed coverage or face penalties in the future. Critical enrollment periods include the following.

Initial Enrollment Period

The Initial Enrollment Period is when you’re first eligible to enroll in a Medicare plan. This period includes a seven-month window: three months before your 65th birthday to three months after your 65th birthday. However, you may be eligible to enroll earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease, or ALS. You can enroll in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D during this period.

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period

The best time to purchase Supplemental Insurance is during a six-month Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period that begins on the first day of the month you turn 65. However, you only have this enrollment period if you’ve signed up for Part B. If you don’t sign up for Supplemental Insurance during this time, you may be ineligible to purchase a supplement policy in the future.

General Enrollment Period

Every year, you have a three-month period to enroll in Part A and/or Part B. This enrollment period begins on January 1st and ends on March 31st. You can only enroll for Medicare plans during this period if you didn’t enroll in one when you were first eligible, and you aren’t eligible for the Special Enrollment Period. If you enroll in a plan during this time, coverage will begin on July 1st of that year.

Annual Enrollment Period

Each year, you have the opportunity to edit your Medicare plan or enroll in a plan. The Annual Enrollment Period falls from October 15th to December 7th. If you make any changes during this time, your new coverage won’t kick in until January 1st of the following year. Some possible changes include enrolling in a Medicare Drug Plan or switching to a new insurance provider.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period begins on January 1st and ends on March 31st. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, during this time, you can make a one-time switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan or Original Medicare. You can also enroll in a Medicare Drug Plan during this period. If you make any changes, they’ll be in effect on the first day of the following month.

Special Enrollment Period

Special Enrollment Periods give you time to join, drop, or switch a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Drug Plan outside regular enrollment periods. To qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you have to experience certain scenarios, such as moving back to the States after living abroad, your employer-provided plan ending or moving into or out of a long-term care facility.

common categories

Get Help Enrolling In Medicare For The First Time

When enrolling in Medicare, you must first identify which category best describes you. So, find which category describes your situation best to find out crucial information about enrolling in Medicare.

I am turning 65 years old

When you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Part A and Part B if you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.
You should receive your new Medicare card in the mail three months prior to the start of your coverage (only applicable if you are already getting SS or RR benefits).
If you do not expect to be enrolled in Medicare automatically, you will need to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period. You can enroll by:
1. Visiting your local Social Security Administration office.
2. Calling the SSA at 800-772-1213.
3. Applying online with the SSA.
4. Mailing a signed and dated letter to the SSA stating that you want to enroll in Medicare.

I am turning 65 and don’t receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits

You have three different periods to enroll in Part A and Part B.
1. Initial Enrollment Period
2. Special Enrollment Period
3. General Enrollment Period
4. Annual Enrollment

I missed my Initial Enrollment Period

You will most likely have to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period or General Enrollment Period.
You don't have to pay a penalty if you’re eligible to enroll in Part B during a Special Enrollment Period.

If you enroll during the General Enrollment Period, expect to pay a Part B premium penalty.

I am under 65 and have a disability

Suppose you have received Social Security Disability Insurance or railroad disability annuity checks for 24 months. In that case, you should automatically be enrolled in Part A and Part B on the first day of your 25th month.
You should receive a package with your new Medicare card three months before your coverage begins.
Your Part B premium will automatically be deducted from your Social Security checks or railroad disability annuity checks.

I have ALS

You are eligible for automatic Medicare enrollment the first month you receive Social Security Disability Insurance or railroad disability annuity checks.
Once diagnosed, you should submit your SSDI or railroad disability annuity application, whichever one applies to you.
You will have a five-month waiting period before coverage begins, and your Medicare will kick in the same month as your disability benefits.

Get Help Enrolling In Medicare For The First Time

Medicare enrollment can be an arduous process, so Senior Insurance Solutions is here to help make it as easy and stress-free as possible. Whether you have a complicated situation or have no idea what Medicare plan interests you, I’m here to support you and answer all your questions during the enrollment process. So, schedule an appointment with me today to begin your worry-free Medicare enrollment.

Enrollment in Medicare

enrollment periods

Initial Enrollment Period

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period

General Enrollment Period

Annual Enrollment Period

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

Special Enrollment Period

Get Help Enrolling In Medicare For The First Time

Get Help Enrolling In Medicare For The First Time

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Get in Touch

Our Services

Business Hours