MEDICARE

Getting Started with Medicare

Getting Medicare is a major milestone. Here’s where you can get the information you need, no matter where you are in your Medicare journey. Before you choose a path below, check out these 5 important facts:

Some people get Medicare automatically, and some have to sign up. You may have to sign up if you’re 65 (or almost 65) and not getting Social Security.
There are certain times of the year when you can sign up or change how you get your coverage.
If you sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you can avoid a penalty.
You can choose how you get your Medicare coverage.
You may be able to get help with your Medicare costs.

Enrollment

When can I join, switch, or drop a plan?

You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Health Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Plan C) with or without drug coverage during these times:

Initial Enrollment Period. When you first become eligible for Medicare, you can join a plan.
Open Enrollment Period. From October 15 – December 7 each year, you can join, switch, or drop a plan. Your coverage will begin on January 1 (as long as the plan gets your request by December 7).
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. From January 1 – March 31 each year, if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch to Original Medicare (and join a separate Medicare drug plan) once during this time.

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Types of Plans

What's a Medicare health plan?

Generally, a Medicare health plan is offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) benefits to people who enroll in the plan.

Medicare health plans include:

Medicare Advantage Plans
Other Medicare Health Plans
- Medicare Cost Plans
- Demonstrations/Pilot Programs
- Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
- Medication Therapy Management (MTM) programs for complex health needs

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