Medicare & The Process

How do I sign up?
Those receiving Social Security are automatically enrolled in Parts A and B unless coverage is declined. If you don't have qualifying coverage from an employer plan, you'll pay an ongoing late enrollment penalty of 10% of the Part B premium for every 12 months you delay signing up and 1% of the average Part D premium for every month you delay signing up for Medicare drug coverage.

STEP 1
‍Enroll in Original Medicare
Original Medicare: Provided by the federal government and comes in two Parts.

• Medicare Part A: Helps pay for hospital stays and inpatient care
• Medicare Part B: Helps pay for doctor visits and outpatient care

• Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65
• Ends 3 months after your birthday month
• Including your birthday month it gives you a 7-month window
• You can sign up for Original Medicare through the Social Security Administration.
  1. ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/
  2. 800-772-1213 
  3. or local Social Security Administration office
  

STEP 2
Decide what additional coverage you need. There are two ways to get it offered by private companies:
Option 1 - Add one or both of the following to Original Medicare

• Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan (also referred to as Medigap) - Helps pay some of the out-of-pocket costs that come with Original Medicare Parts A and B.
• Medicare Part D Plan (prescription drug plan) - Helps pay for prescription drugs

• Combines Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) in one plan
• Usually includes prescription drug coverage (satisfying Part D requirement)
• May offer additional benefits not provided by Original Medicare