Our specialists will help you understand all the options so you feel confident that you are making the best choice for YOU.
Making the transition from private insurance to Medicare can be simple and easy when you work with our specialists.
Do not worry if you feel overwhelmed. We will work with you to make sure everything is clear and nothing is forgotten.
When do I qualify?
US Citizens and permanent residents can qualify for Medicare on the first day of their 65th birthday month. If you were born the first day of the month, you will qualify for Medicare on the first day of the month prior to your birthday month. You have a 7-month window of time to enroll in Medicare, when first eligible: 3-months prior to your bday, the month of your bday and 3-months after your bday.
Do I have to enroll in Medicare?
If you qualify for Medicare, you may need to enroll. However, there are situations when you may defer enrolling. Are you participating in an employer-sponsored health insurance plan? Is it an HSA? Depending on the type of plan, you may want to begin Part A when you turn 65. However, you do not have to enroll in any other parts of Medicare at this time.
Click here to learn more about the different parts of Medicare.
To enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B, the most efficient way is to enroll via the www.ssa.gov website. You will be able to complete the form and create a personal Social Security Account.
Will I lose my employer health insurance if I enroll in Medicare Part A?
No. Medicare Part A would help cover an in-patient hospital stay. It would pay after your employer health insurance plan paid first.
Anyone planning on retiring needs to coordinate their Medicare start date with their retirement date or date that they are losing their employer insurance coverage.
If your employer DOES offer retiree health benefits - Speak with your HR manager to determine whether your employer offers health insurance during retirement or not. If your company offers retiree health benefits and you qualify for them, speak with the company HR department about the plan details and cost. You will have to enroll in Medicare Part B if you are not already enrolled. If you would like to compare your employer coverage with what is available on the open market contact us!
If your employer DOES NOT offer retiree health benefits- The first thing to determine is whether or not you are already enrolled in Medicare B. Your Medicare card will have an effective date for Part B if you are enrolled.
If You Are Not Currently Enrolled In Medicare Part B
You have to apply for Medicare Part B. You can do this through your local Social Security Office. The office will need two forms filled out, one filled out by your employer and the other by you. If you had credible insurance since turning 65, you will not owe a late enrollment penalty and will have an 8 month window after losing employer coverage to enroll in Medicare Part B.
If You Are Currently Enrolled In Medicare Parts A and B
You will need a letter from your employer insurance stating the dates you were insured by them and that the coverage is ending. This letter will give you guaranteed issue rights (no health questions/screening) on many Medicare Supplement plans and the ability to enroll in a prescription drug or Medicare Advantage plan.
We work with people everyday who have Power Of Attorney to assist their loved ones with their Medicare health insurance choices. Do not hesitate to call. We are glad to help.
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Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government, HHS or the federal Medicare program.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov,
1-800-MEDICARE or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) office to get information on all of your options.