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.
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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