New to Medicare
How Does Medicare Work?
Medicare is actually two separate types of insurance--hospital and medical. It is not intended to cover all your medical expenses. Hospital insurance (Part A of Medicare) covers medical treatment and surgical procedures performed in a hospital. It also covers hospice, home health, and limited skilled nursing care. Medical insurance (Part B of Medicare) covers part of the cost of doctor bills, outpatient care, medical equipment, and lab and diagnostic tests. With the Medicare modernization act of 2003, Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Medicare Part D (Prescription Coverage), also became available, through private insurance companies.
How Do I Sign Up for Medicare
Determine Your Eligibility: Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if you are 65 or older, or if you have certain disabilities or conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Initial Enrollment Period: This is a 7-month period that starts 3 months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after you turn 65. It's the best time to sign up to avoid any late enrollment penalties.
Sign Up Online: You can sign up for Medicare Parts A and B online through the Social Security Administration's website here.
Sign Up by Phone: Call the Social Security Administration at +1 800-772-1213. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, you can call TTY +1 800-325-0778.
Sign Up in Person: Visit your local Social Security office to sign up in person.
Special Enrollment Period: If you are still working and have health coverage through your employer, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare without penalties.
Check Your Application Status: After you apply, you can check the status of your application online or by call
What If I Am Still Working?
If you continue to work after age 65 or your spouse is working and you are covered by an employer group health plan (EGHP), you may want to delay enrollment in Part B of Medicare. Enrolling in Medicare Part B will trigger your open enrollment for Medicare supplement insurance at a time when you do not need supplemental coverage. The penalty for late enrollment in Part B does not apply if you are covered by an EGHP because of your or your spouse's current employment. If you do work after age 65, you may apply for Medicare Part B at any time prior to retirement, but you must apply no later than eight months after your formal retirement in order to avoid paying a premium penalty. Even if your employer offers a retirement health plan, you will want to sign up for Medicare Part A and probably for Medicare Part B when you retire. Most retirement plans assume you are covered under Medicare and will not pay for services that Medicare would have covered. Veterans may be eligible for special medical programs. However, eligibility and benefits are very restrictive and are subject to change. The Department of Veterans Affairs advises veterans to apply for both Parts A and B of Medicare to ensure adequate medical coverage.
