Counseling Locations and Appointments
Last Updated:
3/12/03
Please note that the issue of enrollment (especially in Medicare Part B) can be very complicated in some circumstances. To make an appointment for free counseling to discuss enrollment or any other issue related to senior health insurance, go to Counseling Locations and Appointments.
Medicare Part A:
Most people are automatically enrolled in premium free Part A when they reach the age of 65. People under the age of 65 that are disabled and have received Social Security benefits for more than 24 months are also eligible.
Click here for details on Part A eligibility.
Most eligible individuals are able to enroll in Part A at any time even if they do not want Part B, and even if they are outside of an enrollment period.
Medicare Part B:
If you are already getting Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you will
be automatically
enrolled in Medicare. (You can decline Part B, however.)
If you are disabled, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare after you have been getting
disability benefits for 24 months. (You can decline Part B, however.)
If you turn 65 and plan to keep working but don't plan to sign up for Social Security at that time, you
should call or visit a Social Security office or SHIP office for help in deciding whether you should sign up for
Medicare anyway.
There are many other rules associated with Medicare enrollment including penalties for not enrolling
in Part B when you are first eligible. Please contact your local Social Security office or
SHIP office for more details.
There are 3 enrollment periods:
1. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
The initial enrollment period lasts seven (7) months. It consists of the three months prior to eligibility, the month of attainment of eligibility, and three months following that month.
2. General Enrollment Period (GEP)
If you chose not to take Part B during the initial enrollment period and you can not qualify for the special enrollment period, then you can sign up during the general enrollment period. It lasts from January 1 through March 31 of each year but the coverage is not effective until July 1. The Part B premium increases 10% for each 12-month period that you could have had part B but did not take it.
3. Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
If you didn't take Part B during your initial enrollment period because you or your spouse currently work AND have group health plan coverage through your current employer or union, you can sign up for Part B during the SEP. You can sign up at any time you are covered under the group plan. In addition, if the employment or group health coverage ends, you have 8 months to sign up. The 8 month period starts the month your employment ends or group coverage ends, whichever comes first. Your Part B monthly premium will NOT increase if you sign up during this period.