Who is eligible for Medicare?
To be eligible for Medicare, you must meet these requirements:
- You must be age 65 or older, or be eligible due to disability or End-Stage Renal Disease. You or your spouse must have been employed for at least 10 years.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- If you don’t meet these requirements, you will need to call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to find out if you can apply for Medicare under special circumstances.
When is the enrollment period?
The federal government has specific enrollment periods for Medicare. If you do not enroll during these times, you might have to pay a monthly penalty in addition to your premium.
Initial Enrollment Period
The seven-month period to enroll in Medicare: three months before the month you become Medicare eligible, the month you become eligible, and three months afterward.
Annual Enrollment Period
Enroll in Medicare coverage or switch to a different plan October 15-December 7.
OEP – Med Advantage Open Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31 of every year Medicare Advantage Members can switch back to Original Medicare and can enroll in part D plans during the same time. Also, Medicare Advantage enrollees can switch to another Advantage plan, or return to Original Medicare and select a Medicare D RX plan.
Disenrollment Period
New Advantage enrollees can disenroll 60 days after beginning coverage
Special Enrollment Period
There are many special need scenarios to enroll outside of the other enrollment periods. The Sutherland Benefit Group can help with information and direction.
Turning 65?
Did You Know?
Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries can enroll for Medicare Parts A and B three months prior to the month they turn 65. Coverage would then begin the 1st of the month prior to the beneficiary’s 65th birthday.
