Medicare insurance advisors
simplifying your path to healthcare coverage
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The requirements for Medicare eligibility vary based on your age. While everyone aged 65 or older is eligible for Medicare benefits, individuals under the age of 65 must meet one of the following criteria: You’ve been receiving Social Security Disability or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for 24 months prior to your desired enrollment date. You’ve been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). You’ve been diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and have undergone a kidney transplant or are on dialysis.
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Once you’re eligible for Medicare, you can enroll during one of the following enrollment periods: Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) - Begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after your 65th birthday. General Enrollment Period (GEP) - Annually from January 1st - March 31st Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) - Annually from October 15th - December 7th Medicare Supplement Enrollment Period - Begins the month you turn 65 and lasts a period of 6 months. Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period - Annually from January 1st - March 31st Special Enrollment Period (SEP) - Only applies to qualifying circumstances and typically lasts 60 days. To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods, visit our Medicare Enrollments page.
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You’re only able to join, switch, or drop your Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plan during the following enrollment periods: Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) - Begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after your 65th birthday. Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) - Annually from October 15th - December 7th Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period - Annually from January 1st - March 31st Special Enrollment Period (SEP) - You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you lose or need to alter your Medicare plan due to certain life events and circumstances, such as changes in your employment status or residence. If you lose coverage, the typical period of eligibility lasts 60 days.
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In addition to costs and coverage, finding a Medicare plan to fit your lifestyle should be one of your top priorities. Plans come in a variety of shapes and sizes - from plans tailored for fixed-income, to plans which include travel and out-of-network coverage benefits. Some of your most important considerations should include: Costs Coverage Doctor and Hospital Choice Prescription Drugs Your Other Coverage Quality of Care Travel
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Original Medicare consists of Parts A and B, and is the traditional program offered directly through the federal government. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies who contract with the federal government to provide Medicare benefits. With original Medicare, you can go to any doctor or facility that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans have fixed networks of doctors and hospitals for you to visit. Learn about the other key differences in coverage on our blog post, or if you have questions, call our dedicated team of Medicare professionals.
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Medicare is an overarching term that actually includes several different healthcare plans, also known as Parts. Each Part is designed to cover specific aspects of your healthcare: Medicare Part A - Covers your in-patient care and hospital visits. Medicare Part B - Extends your coverage to include preventive care and medically necessary services. Medicare Part C - Provides the coverage included in Parts A and B, plus other valuable health benefits. Medicare Part D - Covers a wide-range of prescription drugs. Medicare Supplements or Medigap Insurance - Designed to provide coverage in areas that the Parts of Medicare fail to cover, such as copayments or coinsurance.
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Choosing the right Medicare Part D plan can help you effectively maintain your costs and health. Be sure to consider the following factors before enrolling in Part D coverage: Do you take or require specific medications? Do you want extra protection from high prescription drug costs? Do your expenses need to be balanced throughout the year? Do you need coverage for medications you currently take, or do you want coverage as a safety measure? To learn more about Medicare Part D and how to enroll, view our Medicare Guides or Medicare Enrollment pages.
