What to Know About Medicare Before 65—Signing Up for Medicare
Signing up for Medicare is an important step in making sure you have the right health coverage at the right time as you approach age 65 or plan for retirement.
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B starting the month you turn 65. If you need to delay Part B, you must actively decline that coverage.
If you are not receiving Social Security, you will need to sign up for Medicare on your own, and you can begin the process three months before your 65th birthday during your Initial Enrollment Period.
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window that begins three months before your 65th birthday month and ends three months after your birthday month.
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from Jan. 1 through March 31 each year, with coverage beginning July 1.
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you delay Medicare because you are covered under an employer group health plan. This Special Enrollment Period begins when that coverage ends and lasts up to eight months.
Many people delay enrolling in Medicare at 65 because they are still working and have group health coverage. However, if your employer has fewer than 20 employees, you may be required to enroll in Medicare even if you are still working. It is important to check with your benefits administrator to understand how your employer coverage works with Medicare so you can avoid gaps in coverage or unexpected issues.
You can enroll in Medicare in person, over the phone or online through the Social Security Administration by visiting www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare or calling 1-800-772-1213.
Important forms that may be required include the CMS-40B application for enrollment in Medicare Part B and the CMS-L564 request for employment information.
If you have any questions about Medicare, whether for yourself or for a family member, please feel free to reach out to me.
Greer Wylder
Wylder Insurance
Office 949.300.8713
greerwylder@gmail.com
Licensed Insurance Agent, CA License #4354817
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent five organizations which offer 49 products in your area.Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
