Who’s eligible for Medicare?

When can you enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B)?

Most people sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) when they're first eligible, typically at age 65.

Signing up at the right time can help you avoid gaps in coverage. However, if you're already covered through an employer group health plan, it might make sense to delay signing up for Medicare coverage. You can sign up for Medicare at these times:

    Initial Enrollment Period – A seven-month period that includes three months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and three months after.

    General Enrollment Period – Every year from January 1 to March 31.

    Special Enrollment Period – Applicable for certain life circumstances, such as if you lose your employer health insurance or are impacted by a natural disaster.

If you don’t enroll when you’re first eligible and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may have to pay late enrollment penalties. You must be enrolled in Original Medicare before you can purchase a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or Medicare Supplement insurance.

How do you apply for Original Medicare?

You can sign up for Original Medicare at any Social Security office, online at https://www.ssa.gov/medicare, or via phone at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). You may need the following when you apply:

 Your Social Security card (or record of your number)

 Your original birth certificate

 Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency

 A W-2 form if you’re still working

What is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?

Original Medicare includes Medicare Parts A and B, but it may not cover all your healthcare needs. A Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan offers everything included with Original Medicare, plus additional benefits such as prescription drug, dental, and vision benefits. After you enroll in Original Medicare, you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan through a private insurance company like Wellpoint.

When can I sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan?

Most people apply for a Medicare Advantage (Part C) and/or Part D (prescription drug) plan during their Initial Enrollment Period to start coverage as early as possible. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage.

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan during the General Enrollment Period once you have Original Medicare. Keep in mind, you may experience a gap in coverage and have late enrollment penalties.

Are there enrollment periods just for Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug (Part D) plans?

Yes, during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), October 15 through December 7 every year. You can add, change, or drop your Part C or Part D plans during this period.

You can also make changes to your Part C or Part D plans during a Special Enrollment Period when certain events happen in your life, like moving or losing other coverage.