Enrolling in Medicare can be tricky. Many groups of people are eligible for Medicare, all of whom can enroll at different times. There are also different enrollment periods that can be pretty strict. We explain more about how to enroll in Medicare below.
Medicare Eligibility
There are three different groups of people who are eligible for Medicare: people 65 and older, younger people with disabilities, and younger people with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Depending on which group you belong to, you will have different opportunities to enroll. You will incur a late enrollment penalty if you do not enroll during specified periods.
When to Enroll in Medicare
Suppose you are turning 65, and this is your first time being eligible for Medicare. In that case, you must enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). The IEP is a 7-month window. This includes the three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the following three months. If you miss the IEP, you will have more opportunities to enroll, but you will be delayed. Specifically, you have to wait for the General Enrollment Period (GEP), which occurs from January 1 – March 31 each year. However, if you miss the IEP and have to enroll during the GEP, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
If you have a disability, receive Social Security disability benefits, and are under 65, you may also be eligible for Medicare. In this instance, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare after receiving 24 months of disability benefits.
If you are diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and you must receive dialysis, your Medicare coverage will begin at the start of your fourth of treatment.
Enrolling in Medicare
It can be difficult to understand the timing of when to enroll in Medicare, depending on which group you belong to. The consequence of a fee adds even more pressure to an anxiety-provoking process. If you have any questions about when or how to apply for Medicare, call us! We’ll be your experts to guide you along the way.