Welcome to Your Medicare Journey!

We’re thrilled to help you get started with Medicare in a way that’s simple, clear, and stress-free. Whether you’re turning 65 or have a qualifying disability, Medicare is here to support your healthcare needs. Our goal is to make this process easy to understand, so you can feel confident and ready. Let’s walk through everything you need to know!

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program created to help seniors aged 65 and older, as well as some younger people with specific disabilities, get the medical care they need. It’s like a safety net that helps cover costs for hospital visits, doctor appointments, and more. Medicare has two main parts that work together to keep you healthy:

Part A (Hospital Coverage): This part helps pay for stays in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (like rehab centers after a hospital stay), hospice care, and even some home health services. For most people, Part A is free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
Part B (Medical Coverage): This covers visits to your doctor, outpatient care (like tests or treatments that don’t require an overnight hospital stay), preventive services (like flu shots or annual wellness visits), and medical equipment (like walkers or wheelchairs). Part B has a monthly premium, which is usually deducted from your Social Security check.

These two parts form the foundation of Original Medicare, giving you the coverage you need for many healthcare services.

Why Timing Is So Important

Signing up for Medicare at the right time is key to avoiding extra costs or gaps in your coverage. If you miss certain deadlines, you might face late enrollment penalties (extra fees added to your premiums) or have to wait months for your coverage to start. Don’t worry—we’ll explain when and how to enroll so you can avoid these issues.

When Should You Sign Up?

Your Medicare enrollment period depends on your situation, but here’s the most common timeline:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is the 7-month window around your 65th birthday—starting 3 months before your birthday month, including your birthday month, and ending 3 months after. For example, if your birthday is in June, your IEP runs from March through September. This is the best time to sign up to avoid penalties.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you’re still working and have health insurance through your job (or your spouse’s job), you may be able to delay signing up for Medicare without penalties. Once your job-based insurance ends, you’ll get an 8-month period to enroll in Medicare.
General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you miss your IEP, you can sign up between January 1 and March 31 each year, but your coverage won’t start until July, and you may face penalties.

We’ll help you figure out which period applies to you and guide you through the process.

How to Get Started with Medicare

Applying for Medicare is easier than you might think! Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it simple:

Check Your Eligibility: You’re eligible for Medicare if you’re 65 or older and a U.S. citizen (or a legal resident for at least 5 years). Some younger people with disabilities, like those receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, also qualify.
Understand Your Enrollment Period: As mentioned, most people sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period around their 65th birthday. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B when you turn 65—no need to apply!
Apply for Medicare: If you’re not automatically enrolled, you can apply online at www.SocialSecurity.gov, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office. The online application is quick and user-friendly, and you can do it from the comfort of your home.
Choose Your Coverage: Decide if you want Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or if you’d like additional coverage, like a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or a Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). We can explain these options if you’re interested!
Avoid Penalties: To avoid extra costs, sign up for Part A during your IEP if you’re eligible. For Part B, enroll during your IEP unless you have other insurance (like from a job). If you delay Part B without qualifying insurance, you could face a penalty that increases your premium by 10% for each year you could’ve enrolled but didn’t.

What Happens After You Enroll?

Once you’re enrolled, you’ll receive a Medicare card in the mail. This card shows your Medicare number and the dates your coverage starts. Keep it handy for doctor visits or hospital stays. You’ll also get a welcome packet with more details about how to use your benefits.

If you have questions about what’s covered, how to find a doctor who accepts Medicare, or how to pay your Part B premium, we’re here to help. We can also explain additional options, like Medigap (supplemental insurance to cover costs Medicare doesn’t) or Medicare Advantage plans, which combine Parts A, B, and often D into one plan.

We’re Here to Support You!

Starting Medicare can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our friendly team is dedicated to making the process as smooth and clear as possible for seniors like you. Whether you need help understanding your options, applying, or using your benefits, just give us a call or send us a message—we’re happy to assist!