The Annual Election Period, also known as the Open Enrollment Period, is every year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their insurance. Annual Election Period The Annual Election Period falls from October 15 to December 7 and allows individuals to make changes to their current Medicare
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Automatic enrollment means that no work on your part is required to sign up. Your Medicare card will be sent to you in the mail. This will arrive three months before your 65th birthday. Automatically Enrolled If you have been receiving retirement benefits from the Railroad Board or Social Security four months before you reach
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When you can first sign up for Medicare, it is advisable to sign up for Part A. Given that the current health coverage is coming through your employer, odds are that you or your spouse has paid payroll taxes to Social Security for at least forty quarters (ten years) through the employer. This qualifies you
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One of the faults of Original Medicare is that it has no coverage for prescription drugs. So all the seniors transitioning from their health coverage to Medicare once they reach age 65 have to find a way to afford their medications. Fortunately, separate Medicare Part D plans are available for prescription drug coverage. As we
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Looking for a Medicare Supplement plan may seem difficult because there are many options. Here are some of the factors that may influence your decision. Affordable Monthly Premiums Medicare Supplement plans are intended to help you afford your Medicare coverage. You still have to pay the Part B monthly premiums and Part A premiums, if
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One of the best ways to prepare for Medicare is to understand what you’re getting into. Enroll Are you aware of how enrollment works? Once you become eligible for Medicare benefits, you can enroll at www.socialsecurity.gov, call Social Security, or visit your local Social security office. Prepare Medical History During your first year of Medicare
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Original Medicare comes with a few gaps in coverage. While Part A and Part B cover hospital and medical coverage, they have no coverage for routine dental, vision, and hearing exams nor dentures, eyeglasses/contact lenses, or hearing aids. Prescription drugs are also an important factor left out, particularly for this demographic. Medicare Part C, called
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Special Enrollment Periods are for people who have circumstances impacting the time they can enroll. If you are 65 and still have coverage through an employer, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period allowing you to enroll when your coverage or employment ends. For those who experience a move or loss of coverage, Special
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Medicare Supplement plans, which are often called Medigap, help to cover the cost of Original Medicare. Six of the ten plans have coverage for emergency care during foreign travel. Medigap is best for those on a fixed income, those who can estimate their healthcare needs, or those who travel frequently. Medigap Plans Medicare Supplement plans
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One of the benefits of paying taxes to Social Security over the years is a return on your hospital insurance. Those who pay taxes to Social Security for at least forty quarters receive Medicare Part A without paying monthly premiums. This means they pay only toward the Part A deductible if they have hospital visits.
How Can I Obtain Premium-Free Medicare Part A? Read More »