If you’re receiving SS, then you’re automatically enrolled and will get your Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of disability.

In most cases, you will automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65.

However, if your birthday is on the first day of the month, your coverage will start the first day of the month prior.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people ages 65+, as well as those younger than 65 with specific disabilities or medical conditions. The insurance has four coverage types, which range from inpatient hospital care to prescription drugs. However, Medicare doesn’t cover all medical expenses or extended care, so you may need to consider additional insurance. Click here to schedule a call with a licensed Medicare agent.

For most people, Part A coverage doesn’t have a monthly premium, as long as you worked and paid Medicare taxes. Part B monthly premiums start at $170.10 (as of 2022) and go up based on your income. Premiums for Parts C and D vary by plan. Register for our Medicare 101 workshop here to learn more.

Once you receive Social Security benefits or railroad retirement checks, the Social Security Administrations (SSA) sends you enrollment details a few months before your Medicare eligibility begins. From there, the SSA typically enrolls you automatically in both Parts A and B. If you’re not getting Social Security or railroad retirement benefits, contact the SSA three months before you turn 65.

A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy is health insurance sold by private companies to fill in the “gaps” in Original Medicare.

Advantage Plans include benefits at least as good as Original Medicare, but can include additional benefits not otherwise available through Parts A & B (including prescription drug coverage).

For more, click here to register for an upcoming Medicare 101 workshop. Registration is free.

If at age 65 you still have insurance through work, then you do not have to sign up for Medicare as long as your organization has 20 or more employees. If you choose to delay, you can enroll in Medicare, penalty free, once you retire or otherwise, lose your insurance.