Most people relate Medicare with turning 65 or retiring. This is the case for most individuals, but it is worth it to find out what medicare enrollment option applies to you. Absolute Best Insurance suggests you know well ahead of time what enrollment period will fit your current situation, so you do not miss it and have to pay penalties. If you are nearing the age of 65 and live in Palm Beach County, let us help you take the guesswork out of obtaining Medicare benefits.
Standard Initial Medicare Enrollment
We can start with the most straightforward enrollment option.
You do not have to wait to search for a “Medicare insurance agent near me” until the day before your 65th birthday! Your full enrollment period is eight months. This means you can enroll the month of your birthday, three months before or three months after.
So if your 65th birthday falls in August, your enrollment period will start in May through November. If you enroll before August, coverage will begin on August 1st. If you enroll August-November, coverage will begin on the first day of the following month.
While it may seem like you have plenty of time, it never hurts to get a move on!
If You Are Still Covered By Your Employer When You Turn 65:
Medicare is slated to begin when people retire when they turn 65 — but we know that is not the case for all folks! If you work for an employer who provides health insurance benefits, you have the option to keep those benefits until your coverage ends or you are no longer with that employer. This makes you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
The Special Enrollment Period would start the month after your current employment ends or your current healthcare coverage ends (whichever comes first.) The Special Enrollment Period lasts for eight months. When you enroll, coverage begins on the first day of the following month.
Although relatively simple, you still might want to ask for a “Medicare insurance agent near me,” so you do not have a lapse in coverage.
What if You Miss the Initial Enrollment Period?
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period when you turn 65, you can still apply for Medicare benefits at the beginning of the next year.
General Enrollment runs every year, starting January 1st to March 31st. However, coverage will not start until July of that year. Keep in mind, you will pay higher premiums for enrolling during the General Enrollment Period as opposed to your Initial Enrollment period. Make sure to mark your calendar! Or better yet, search for a “Medicare insurance agent near me” and let us put you on our books. You can trust that we won’t forget, so that you can get the lowest possible premium for your Medicare coverage.
Contact Us
To get ahead of Medicare Enrollment, our team at Absolute Best Insurance is here for you. If you’re in Palm Beach County, you can stop by our office or give us a call to learn more! Gain the information you need today! Don’t delay, contact us now.