Parts A & B
Original Medicare (Part A & B) eligibility beings on the first of the month in the month you’ll turn 65 or after 24 months of Social Security Disability Income.
Part A: Medicare Part A, also recognized as Hospital Insurance, covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care (after a hospital stay), hospice care, and sometimes limited home health care services. Most people do not have to pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. There are deductible and coinsurance costs associated with Part A services, and the coverage is generally focused on hospital-related care.
Part B: Medicare Part B, or Medical Insurance, covers outpatient services, doctor visits, preventive care, and certain other medical services. Part B has a monthly premium, and that may vary based on your income. There’s also an annual deductible and coinsurance for the services covered under Part B. It’s important for beneficiaries to enroll in Part B during their Initial Enrollment Period to avoid potential late enrollment penalties. Part B provides coverage for all around medically necessary services and helps ensure access to essential healthcare outside of hospital settings.
- You can begin Original Medicare (Part A & B) coverage as early as the first of the month before when you turn 65* OR after 24 months of Social Security Disability Income. Sign up for Original Medicare three months before and after your initial eligibility date.
*which means that if your birthday IS the first of the month, Medicare can begin the first of the PRIOR month, if you sign up in a month at least two months prior. - If you will still be working AND still be eligible for your employer’s (or your spouse’s employer’s) group health plan when turning 65, then consult with our Medicare agent to compare your options.
- Later, you can sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A & B or B if you already have A) with an allowed Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
- If you missed your enrollment period, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1 to Mar 31), but you will pay a lifetime Late Enrollment Penalty.
Your Medicare Enrollment Pathway begins 4 to 6 months before eligibility and will involve different steps depending on your circumstances.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 6 organizations that offer 46 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.