You can enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a seven-month period that starts three months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65 and the three months after you turn 65. You can also enroll during the General Enrollment Period, which is January 1 through March 31 each year. 

Online at SSA.gov or in person at a local Social Security office. We can also help you with that process over the phone or here at our office.

Assuming you have met the work-related eligibility requirements, you may begin enrollment into Medicare 90 days in advance of the month you turn 65.

Maybe. If the employer group has 20 eligible employees or more, and you’re going to continue to work, then yes it’s an option. But there are many things to consider.

We do not advise this. You will be responsible for a 20% co-insurance and you will not have prescription coverage. You will face unlimited exposure to those costs due to the gaps in Original Medicare.

No, a retiree plan will typically wrap around Medicare primary benefits

In addition to having a huge gap in coverage, you will likely face a penalty from Medicare. A Part “B” penalty can be 10% of your Part “B” premium for each 12-month period outside of Medicare, and up to 1% of the national average of a Part “D” plan for each month absent Part “D”.

Part “C” is another name for Medicare Advantage. Also named MA or MA-PD (when prescriptions are included).

This is a Medicare term that establishes previous coverage being at least as good as Medicare’s. Typically is in play for Part “D” to avoid penalty.

You usually can. It’s important to be sure your doctor accepts Medicare. 

Medicare does not have spousal or dependent coverage. Medicare is individual. If your spouse has reached age eligibility (65), then they can enroll in Medicare of their own accord 90 days in advance of the month they turn 65.

Part “D” is the prescription drug plan Medicare introduced in 2006.

Yes, for up to 100 days, after a required three-day hospital stay.