Learn the basics of Medicare
Are you ready for the Medicare Journey?
Medicare offers essential health insurance for older adults, covering preventative services, screenings, vaccines, and hospice care. Achieving Medicare eligibility is a significant milestone, but navigating it can be complex due to the different plan types (Parts A, B, C, D, and Medigap) and their varying costs and benefits. Mistakes in Medicare can be costly. Annual changes in premiums, coverage and rules require ongoing evaluation, and many plans are sold by private insurers which can also be confusing. We created this Medicare resource page to help clients understand the process and make it smoother.
Learn About Medicare
Internal Link
Medicare Basics (About Parts A, B, C, D)
Internal Link
Medicare Costs Part A, B and D
Internal Link
Medicare Educational Videos
Internal Link
Medicare Options Compared
Internal Link
Medigap Chart (Supplement Plans)
Government Links
External Link
Sign up for Medicare (this is where you apply)
External Link
Medicare.gov
External Link
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid)
External Link
Medicaid Dual Eligibility Information
External Link
Social Security Administration
Government Forms
Fillable Form
Request for Employment Information (CMS-L564)
Fillable Form
Application for Enrollment in Part B (CMS 40B)
Fillable Form
Application for Medicare Part A & Part B – Special Enrollment Period (CMS-10797)
Fillable Form
Application for Enrollment in Part B Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage (CMS-10798)
Fillable Form
Patient Request for Medical Payment (CMS-1490S)
Fillable Form
Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information (CMS-10106)
Fillable Form
Starting/stopping or changes to automatic monthly premiums through Medicare Easy Pay
Sample Letter
Employer Credible Coverage Example Letter
A Five Step Guide For Making the Switch to Medicare the Right Way
Transitioning to Medicare, A Step-By-Step Guide
REVIEW YOUR MEDICAL NEEDS AND COSTS
Original Medicare does not cover all your healthcare costs, but you have options with Medicare. Review your overall healthcare costs and needs, including regular health maintenance visits, specialists you see, prescription drug costs and any procedures you know you will need. This will help you understand your overall financial picture.
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Transitioning to Medicare, A Step-By-Step Guide
REVIEW YOUR MEDICAL NEEDS AND COSTS
Original Medicare does not cover all your healthcare costs, but you have options with Medicare. Review your overall healthcare costs and needs, including regular health maintenance visits, specialists you see, prescription drug costs and any procedures you know you will need. This will help you understand your overall financial picture.
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STEP
Transitioning to Medicare, A Step-By-Step Guide
CHECK YOUR PLAN'S MEDICAL PROVIDERS
Check to see if your current healthcare providers accept Medicare. While most do, some doctors opt out of Medicare so they are not required to follow Medicare rules. In other words, you’ll want to make sure your doctor can’t tack on extra costs and you are getting the lowest cost for your services.
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Transitioning to Medicare, A Step-By-Step Guide
CHECK YOUR PLAN'S MEDICAL PROVIDERS
Check to see if your current healthcare providers accept Medicare. While most do, some doctors opt out of Medicare so they are not required to follow Medicare rules. In other words, you’ll want to make sure your doctor can’t tack on extra costs and you are getting the lowest cost for your services.
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Transitioning to Medicare, A Step-By-Step Guide
LEARN ABOUT MEDICARE TO UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS
Before you select a plan, take time to understand all the different parts of Medicare. Selecting the wrong coverage can cost you. You can also pay fines and penalties if you do not enroll within your specific initial enrollment period, or in a timely manner during annual enrollment!
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Transitioning to Medicare, A Step-By-Step Guide
LEARN ABOUT MEDICARE TO UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS
Before you select a plan, take time to understand all the different parts of Medicare. Selecting the wrong coverage can cost you. You can also pay fines and penalties if you do not enroll within your specific initial enrollment period, or in a timely manner during annual enrollment!
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Transitioning to Medicare, A Step-By-Step Guide
GET NO COST, NO OBLIGATION EXPERT GUIDANCE FROM US!
Talk to us! We’ll do the leg work for you, helping you to add up all your costs (copays, premiums, etc.) so you can pick the best option. And we continue to be resource for you annually, as plans may change, or your needs evolve. Our guidance is provided at no cost and no obligation!
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Transitioning to Medicare, A Step-By-Step Guide
GET NO COST, NO OBLIGATION EXPERT GUIDANCE FROM US!
Talk to us! We’ll do the leg work for you, helping you to add up all your costs (copays, premiums, etc.) so you can pick the best option. And we continue to be resource for you annually, as plans may change, or your needs evolve. Our guidance is provided at no cost and no obligation!
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STEP
Transitioning to Medicare, A Step-By-Step Guide
MEDICARE IS NOT AUTOMATIC, ENROLL ON-TIME TO AVOID PENALITIES
For most people, Medicare is not automatic. You need to enroll in original Medicare (Parts A & B) before you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan. To enroll, you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility. Some acceptable documents are birth certificate, proof citizenship if not born in the US, W-2 or tax forms, and or military records. See more on how and where to apply below in the FAQs section.
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Transitioning to Medicare, A Step-By-Step Guide
MEDICARE IS NOT AUTOMATIC, ENROLL ON-TIME TO AVOID PENALITIES
For most people, Medicare is not automatic. You need to enroll in original Medicare (Parts A & B) before you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan. To enroll, you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility. Some acceptable documents are birth certificate, proof citizenship if not born in the US, W-2 or tax forms, and or military records. See more on how and where to apply below in the FAQs section.
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FAQs About Eligibility
The initial enrollment period for those aging into Medicare is 7 months, which starts 3 months before your 65th birthday, and includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after your 65th birthday.
You can apply online or call your local Social Security office. You’ll enroll, create your Medicare account, track your Medicare information such as bills, claims, health information and more, as well as print your Medicare card.
CLICK HERE to apply online at Social Security
No you can continue to receive employer benefits. If you are still receiving work benefits, you still have the option of enrolling in Medicare Part A during your initial enrollment age, if you decide it is wise for your specific healthcare needs. Remember, for most people the Part A premium is free. Also, keep in mind that Medicare is not automatic (as discussed above) so you will need to enroll yourself when your enrollment period begins. It’s important to note that you can only delay enrolling in Part B and Part D without incurring late enrollment penalties if you have creditable coverage from your employer, or your spouses employer. Creditable coverage requires that If the employer group has 20 eligible employees or more, then you may be able stay on that plan. There are many things to consider and you should talk to a professional to make sure you are making the right moves.
No, Medicare is an individual plan. Medicare does not have spousal or dependent coverage. 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.
Medicare annual open enrollment is October 15th through December 7th every year.
Once your Initial Enrollment Period is over, if you wish to change or purchase Advantage or Part D Plans, you must act during the open enrollment period.
When open enrollment is closed, there are special circumstances in which one may qualify to enroll outside of the enrollment period. Listed below are the qualifying events:
-You are turning 65
-You move to a new area that is not in your current plan’s service area
-Recently moved back to the US
-You lose your current coverage (either Group or Medicaid)
-You now need a SNP (Special Needs Plan) or you no longer need a SNP