Congratulations, you’re turning 65! You mark every important date in your life on the calendar: a grandchild’s birthday, your wedding anniversary, summer vacation, even doctor appointments. But there are other critical moments you’ll want to make sure to remember, too – like when you can first sign up for a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare plan.
This timeframe for enrolling is called the Initial Enrollment Period.
You have a seven-month window to join during this period – from three months before the month you turn 65, through your birthday month and three months after the month you turn 65. During this time you can:
- Enroll in Medicare (Parts A and B)
- Enroll in a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D)
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)
- Enroll in a Medicare Supplement with no underwriting! (Some insurance companies extend this period six-months before your 65th birthday)
Will you be enrolling in Medicare when you turn 65? Now, is the perfect time to start looking at your plan options by giving us a call at 833-265-9655.
If you don’t sign up for Medicare Parts A and B or Part D when you’re first eligible, you could face penalties in the form of higher premiums.
Tip: If you’re already receiving Social Security when you turn 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).