Medicare and Social Security can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. I’ve gathered the most common questions I hear from clients and provided clear, easy-to-understand answers to help you feel more confident and informed.

How do I enroll in Medicare Part Aand Part B?

If you are getting Social Security when you turn 65, contact your local Social Security office to enroll.

If not, you’ll need to sign up for Parts A and B. Contact Social Security 3 months before you turn 65. If you worked for a railroad, contact the Railroad Retirement Board.

Note: People on Social Security disability will be eligible to enroll in their 25th month of disability.

When can I enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B?

You can enroll in the window:

• 3 months before the month you turn 65

• Your birthday month

• The 3 months after the month you turn 65
  

What if I don’t enroll in that window?

You may have to pay a penalty in the form of a higher premium.

When can I enroll in Medicare Part C and Part D?

During the same 7-month window as Part B. That means during the 3 months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month and the 3 months after the month you turn 65.

Are there other times I can enroll in Medicare Parts C and D?

From October 15 to December 7, all people with Medicare can change their health care plans.
During this Annual Enrollment Period, you can:

• Switch to Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare

• Join a Medicare prescription drug plan

• Change plans

You can also enroll in Parts C and D during a Special Enrollment Period for special circumstances such as:

• Losing your employer coverage

• Moving to a new service area

• Qualifying for Extra Help

Do I need to sign up for Medicare Part D?

As long as you receive “creditable” prescription drug coverage, you do not need to sign up for a Part D plan.

“Creditable” means that Medicare considers your coverage to be as good as Part D. It can include coverage from a current employer, former employer or other source, such as a union or military Tricare coverage.

If you lose this coverage at some point, you’ll be eligible for a special enrollment period to enroll in a Part D plan without incurring a late-enrollment penalty.

What if I’m late in signing up for Part D?

• You may face a late-enrollment penalty.

• The penalty increases based on each month that you delay.

• This can get costly.

When can I enroll in a Medicare Supplement insurance (also called Medigap) plan?

Medicare Supplement insurance has a 6-month Open Enrollment Period. It automatically starts the first full month you're 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B.

For example: If you turn 65 on April 3, but don’t join Medicare Part B until May 25, your Medicare Supplement insurance Open Enrollment Period will start on June 1. This is the first day of the month in which you are both 65 and enrolled in Part B.

During your 6-month Open Enrollment Period, you can buy any Medicare Supplement insurance policy sold in your state.

Will a Medicare Supplement insurance policy help me if I have health problems?

During the 6-month Open Enrollment Period, you can purchase a Medicare Supplement insurance policy even if you have preexisting health conditions.

Even if you have a disability or have health problems, an insurance company cannot do any of the following:

• Refuse to sell you any Medicare Supplement insurance policy it offers

• Charge you a higher premium than they charge others who are 65 and on the same plan

• Delay the start of your coverage

What if I delay enrollment in a Medicare Supplement insurance policy?

You can apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance policy after your Open Enrollment Period ends. However, there’s no guarantee your application will be accepted if you don’t meet medical underwriting requirements, except in certain limited situations.

If you’re able to buy a Medicare Supplement insurance policy, there may be an additional cost in the form of a penalty. You incur this penalty from Medicare (not Aetna®).