In this Q&A series, Medicare expert Christian Worstell answers your questions about Medicare coverage, benefits, eligibility, enrollment and more. Christian is a licensed insurance agent and frequent contributor to MedicareAdvantage.com.
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"I am 64 and will be retiring next year. How do I know when I am supposed to enroll in Medicare?" – Ken S., Buffalo, NY
Hi Ken, and congratulations on your upcoming retirement!
The time at which you will enroll in Medicare will depend on your age and circumstances. It’s important to note that depending on your situation, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) may not actually reach out and let you know that it’s time to enroll.
If you’re like most people, the first time you can sign up for Medicare is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This period begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month of your birthday and continues for another three months thereafter (for a total of seven months).
Even if you are still working when you turn 65, you may go ahead and sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period. For more information on how Medicare may work with your employer coverage, you should speak with a representative from your Human Resources department.
If your plans change and you retire before you turn 65, you will have to wait for your Initial Enrollment Period to begin before you sign up for Medicare. In the meantime, you may be able to purchase insurance coverage through the health insurance marketplace.
If you are already collecting Social Security retirement benefits when you turn 65, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B (as long as you are a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident of at least 5 years).
If you are not yet receiving Social Security retirement benefits when you turn 65, you must manually enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. You can do so online, over the phone or at your local Social Security office.
Medicare enrollment can be confusing, but we’re here to help. Our Medicare Enrollment Guide provides much more information about enrollment periods and the sign up process.
You can also call to speak with a licensed insurance agent to learn more about Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare prescription drug plans, or you can compare plans online for free, with no obligation to enroll.
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