I am approaching Medicare age, what do I need to do, and when?
Lori Good, Senior Products Insurance Specialist
AGE 64 – Do your homework
- You can enroll into Medicare up to 3 months prior to turning age 65.
- Understand your options if you plan on working beyond 65.
- Contact a licensed insurance agent or go to Medicare.gov to learn more about Medicare.
AGE 65 – The initial enrollment period
- Automatic enrollment if you are currently collecting or planning to collect social security.
- Otherwise, enroll between 3 months prior or 3 months after turning 65.
RETIREMENT – Special enrollment period
- If you are older than 65, but still working and covered by workplace insurance – you can enroll in Medicare up to 8 months after retirement.
JAN 1 – MARCH 31 – General enrollment period
- You can enroll between January 1 and March 31 each year.
- Your coverage starts July 1 of that year.
- You may have to pay a higher premium plus penalties for late enrollment.
- This is not to be confused with AEP, or the Annual Election Period.
TIP – Different ways to enroll in Parts A and B of Medicare
- Online at ssa.gov
- Over the phone – call your local social security office
- Fax or mail form CMS-40B to your local social security office.
- Visit your social security office in person.
Once you receive your Medicare ID card 2-4 weeks after applying, schedule an appointment with Lori Good at Beck Insurance Agency. Lori Good is a fully licensed agent who is Medicare certified by most of the plans and options available in the area. When discussing with Lori you can explore your enrollment options for Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplements, or Part D Prescription Drug Plans.
Contact Beck Insurance Agency in Archbold or Whitehouse, Ohio by calling 419-446-2777, email us at help@beckinsurance.com, or click here to submit your request today.
