Medicare Resouces

Turning 65 or older than 65? Generally, you’re first eligible to sign up for Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. 

Under 65? If you’re getting Social Security disability benefits, you’ll get Medicare automatically after getting disability benefits for 24 months. If you have ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease) you’ll get Medicare automatically as soon as you start getting disability benefits.

Use this link to visit medicare.gov and learn about Parts A (hospital insurance), B (doctor insurance) and D (prescription drug coverage) as well as Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, and the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. 

You will have to sign up for Medicare through Social Security. The link to the left (or above, if you are on your mobile device) will take you to their website ssa.gov where you can sign up online or find the number to call them. If you would rather have an in-person meeting, click this link.

Medigap (also referred to as Medicare Supplement) is insurance you can purchase from a private insurance carrier to pay for items not covered by Medicare Part A or Part B if you are 65 or older. You must have both Parts A and B to purchase a Medical policy. There are many options to choose from with Medigap policies: Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N (not everyone can qualify for all plans). Typically, Medigap policies do not include Part D prescription drug coverage, vision, or dental coverage. You may have to undergo medical underwriting. 

Medicare Advantage plans (also referred to as Part C) is insurance you can purchase from private insurance carriers to pay for out of pocket expenses not covered by Medicare Part A or Part B. Like Medigap policies, you must have both Parts A and B to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan. You have many options when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan such as PPO, HMO, SNP, PFFS, and MSA. Many Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage as well as vision, dental, OTC credit, gym membership, and more. Typically, you do not have to undergo medical underwriting with Medicare Advantage plans.

Part D is prescription drug coverage that you can purchase from a private insurance carrier. Part D is optional, however, if you choose not to have a Part D plan, you will pay a late enrollment penalty if you choose to purchase Part D prescription drug coverage in the future.  Many Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage.