The Medicare Enrollment Pathway

  1. 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. Click here.
    *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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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). You can learn more about Valid SEPs and how to sign up by clicking here.
  4. 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. 

Once you sign up for Medicare, you can check the status of your Medicare application by clicking here.

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. 

Your Medicare Enrollment Pathway begins 4 to 6 months before eligibility and will involve different steps depending on your circumstances. 

Once a Medicare card arrives (but no later than seven days before the expected Part B effective date), schedule an appointment here. We’ll review:

  • Choosing between a Medicare Advantage plan (including prescription drug coverage) or a Medicare Supplement plan (with a standalone prescription drug plan).
  • With consideration given to provider network, medications needed, ratings & reputation of insurers, your health and financial status.
  • Medicare coverage takes effect the first of the month a person turns 65, so ideally, four weeks before that date, we’ve completed a review of needs and finalized an enrollment in a plan.

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.