Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

By Tej Seelamsetty
Apr 8, 2022

Understanding the Different Medicare Plans, When to Enroll, and How

Healthcare is important, especially as we get older. If you're approaching 65, you're eligible to enroll in Medicare.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.
Medicare provides healthcare for retired folks 65 and older and those with certain disabilities. However, many seniors don't know what kind of coverage they have or even if they have coverage at all. While

34% of people

aren't familiar with Medicare, 64% don't know which part of Medicare to enroll in.
Let's help you navigate Medicare so you can get covered.

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal program in the United States that provides health insurance for people 65 and older. It's a safety net that protects you from high medical bills. You might also be eligible if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease).
In 2022,

13.8 million people

re-enrolled in Medicare or signed up for the first time.

Different Medicare Parts, How They Work, And What They Do

Medicare is divided into four parts:
  • Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): This covers inpatient hospital care, some skilled nursing care, hospice care, and home health care
  • Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): This covers outpatient care, doctor visits, medical equipment, and many preventive care services
  • Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): This Medicare-approved plan is administered through private companies. It covers all services listed in Part A, Part B, and usually Part D
  • Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): This covers the cost of prescription drugs
Medicare Parts A & B comprise what's known as "Original Medicare".

Additional coverage

There are two types of additional coverage: Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans.

Medigap Plans (Medicare Supplements)

After you enroll in Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare), you may (and likely should) add Part D. Medigap Plans, such as Plan G, work on top of Original Medicare to give you more coverage and doctor flexibility.
With Medigap Plans, you can visit any doctor who accepts Medicare in the United States.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is also known as Medicare Part C. It is managed by private insurance companies (HMOs or PPOs), but follows the rules set by Medicare. You're technically still enrolled in "Original Medicare" with Medicare Advantage.
Enrollment in the Original Medicare Part A and B is required to enroll in Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Advantage combines the benefits of Medicare Part A, Part B and, (usually), Part D. You still have to pay the Part B premium just as in the Original Medicare plan, but there are no other additional costs.
Most Medicare Advantage plans have Part D, so you don't need to purchase it separately. Medicare Advantage also covers extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing services, which are not covered in Original Medicare.
The downside of Medicare Advantage is that you can use the benefits only within a network of doctors. Your choice of care is limited.
You can choose any Medicare plan you'd like based on your budget, health conditions, medications, doctors, and personal preferences.
‎We can help you work through the decision-making process.

When Do I Sign-up for Medicare?

There are different factors to consider regarding when you should sign up for Medicare:

What If I'm Collecting Retirement Benefits?

If you are collecting social security retirement benefits when you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. You do have the option to opt-out of Part B in certain situations.
If you live outside the fifty states or Washington D.C. (e.g. Puerto Rico), you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A, but you must enroll in Part B manually.

What If I'm Receiving Disability Benefits?

If you're not yet 65 and have received disability benefits for 24 months, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
However, if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and have undergone a kidney transplant or need continuous dialysis, you can immediately enroll for Medicare with no waiting period.
If you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease), you will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare, and you get its benefits at the same time you receive your disability benefits.

What If I Don't Have Retirement Benefits?

You can enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This is a 7-month window that spans the three months before the month of your 65th birthday and extends to the three months after the month you turn 65.
During the Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll in:
  • A Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan
  • A Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
  • A Medicare Advantage Plan
Although you can enroll in any of the plans mentioned above, you must enroll in Original Medicare Parts A and B first.
If you enroll in Medicare before you turn 65, your Medicare insurance starts from the first date of the month of your birthday. However, if your birthday is on the 1st day of a month, your insurance benefits begin on the 1st day of the previous month.
It's advisable to enroll in Medicare during your IEP, since late enrollments may lead to hefty premiums—or sometimes even penalties.
‎If you missed enrolling in Medicare during your IEP, you could enroll during the General Enrollment Period (GEP). The GEP extends from January 1st through March 31st every year. You can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B during this time, but you might have to pay a late enrollment fee.

When Can I Sign Up For a Medigap?

Medicare Supplemental Insurance, or "Medigap," fills the gaps in Parts A and B. It gives you added coverage to help meet your out-of-pocket expenses. You must be enrolled in Medicare Part B to get Medigap coverage. You can enroll during your IEP, which is the 6-month period that starts from the first day of the month you turn 65 (if you have Part B).
The main advantage of enrolling during the IEP is that insurance companies cannot reject your application because of your medical history, pre-existing conditions, or disabilities. There is a chance of rejection from insurance companies if you enroll outside this period. We always recommend folks enroll during their IEP.

Other Medicare Enrollment Periods

The Medicare Special Enrollment Period

If you want to make changes to your plan due to an unforeseeable event in your life, you can use the Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This unforeseeable event could be job loss, end of group insurance coverage, or some other major life event.
The Special Enrollment Period is an 8-month period that begins either from the date your employment or group insurance ends, whichever comes first.
Suppose you chose not to enroll in Part B during your IEP, since you were already covered by group medical insurance. If you later decide you want to enroll in Part B, you may enroll at any time during the Special Enrollment Period.
The SEP is not applicable if you are eligible for Medicare due to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Neither

COBRA

nor retiree health coverage qualifies for SEP because they are not considered current employee coverage. You may want to enroll during your IEP if either of these situations applies to you.

Annual Enrollment Period

Every year from October 15th through December 7th, Medicare beneficiaries get the chance to change their Medicare plans, switch plans, or unenroll from a plan.
You can change your Medicare plans in the following ways:
  • Shift from a Medicare Supplement Plan to a Medicare Advantage Plan
  • Shift from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare
  • Shift from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan
  • Shift from one Prescription Drug Plan to another
  • Enroll in Medicare Part D
  • Unenroll from a Prescription Drug Plan

Open Enrollment Period

You can change your Medicare Advantage Plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, from January 1st through March 31st every year. You can use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period to do the following:
  • Shift from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another.
  • Unenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan and enroll in Original Medicare (with or without Part D).

Initial Coverage Election Period

If you are new to Medicare, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP). This enrollment coincides with your IEP.
Your ICEP is also a 7-month period that begins three months before you are eligible for Medicare benefits and continues until you enroll in Part A and Part B — or until your last eligibility date for the IEP.
For example, if you will be 65 on June 12th, and your Medicare coverage starts from June 1st, your ICEP to enroll for the Medicare Advantage Plan is from March 1st through September 30th. However, if you have delayed your Part B, your ICEP will end on the date you enroll in Part B.
Visual asset.
Medicare Enrollment Periods

What's Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, and When Do I Sign Up?

Medicare prescription drug coverage is voluntary. It helps cover your prescription drug costs. Even though you might not be using many prescription drugs right now, coverage can give you an advantage down the road.
You can get Medicare prescription drug coverage by enrolling in the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or the Medicare Advantage Plan (with drug coverage) during the following periods:
  • The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
  • The Annual Enrollment Period
  • The Open Enrollment Period
  • Initial Coverage Election Period
You may be subject to late enrollment penalties if you decide to enroll later.

How Do I Sign-up for Medicare?

Here are a few ways to enroll in Medicare.
  • You can apply online at the

    Social Security website

    .
  • You can call your local Social Security office or their toll-free Number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • You can visit your Social Security office in person.
  • You can call Fair Square Medicare at 1-888-376-2028. We can walk you through the whole process, step by step.
If you have trouble enrolling online, we created this video to help you

apply for Medicare

.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

Cover image
Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?
Jul 27, 2023
Abortion stock image
Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?
Dec 13, 2022
Hepatitis C stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?
Nov 22, 2022
Nashville city skyline stock image
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville
Mar 10, 2023
doctor consulting their patient stock image
Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?
Dec 6, 2022
Mouth guard used to help treat sleep apnea
Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?
Dec 8, 2022
Cover image
Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare
Apr 27, 2023
senior couple doing yoga stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus
Mar 8, 2023
plastic surgeons standing over a patient stock image
Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?
Nov 28, 2022
various people wearing masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic stock photo
How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?
Mar 3, 2023
senior man receiving dental care stock photo
Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Jun 2, 2022
Cover image
Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?
Jul 12, 2023
Senior woman receiving an ear exam stock photo
Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?
Nov 22, 2022
Diagnosis overactive bladder stock image
Does Medicare Cover PTNS?
Dec 9, 2022
Cover image
The Fair Square Bulletin: November 2023
Nov 15, 2023
Doctor physician consulting with male patient in hospital exam room stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?
Dec 9, 2022
Senior couple going over their finances in front of a computer stock image
How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2023?
Dec 27, 2022
Medicare 2023 What you need to know in the new year stock image
How is Medicare Changing in 2023?
Dec 21, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

2024 "Donut Hole" Updates

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2023

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2023?

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

How to Apply for Medicare?

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Medicare 101

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

The Fair Square Bulletin: August 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: The End of the COVID Emergency Declaration

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

Will Medicare Cover it?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2023

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2022 Help Button Inc

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 or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M