Understanding Medicare eligibility and enrollment

Eligibility for Medicare and Enrollment Timelines

Who is Eligible?

Who is Eligible

If you are over 65 you may be eligible for Medicare. Here's what you need to know.

You can enroll in Medicare when you are 65 if you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. resident who has lived in the U.S. continuously for five years prior to applying.
You can enroll in Medicare without collecting Social Security.
Working past age 65? You can still enroll in Medicare, even if you have coverage through your employer.
You can enroll in Medicare if you are over 65 and have coverage through a spouse's employer.

If you...	Then...
Plan to retire at age 65 or are not working and don't already receive social security	You can enroll in Medicare benefits
Already receive Social Security retirement, disability, or Railroad Retirement Board benefits	You'll be enrolled automatically in Medicare Parts A and B
Are currently covered by an employer-provided group health plan and plan to continue working past age 65	Talk to your human resources department before you enroll in Medicare.

When Do You Enroll?

There are multiple opportunities to enroll in Medicare. There are certain rules around applying and when your coverage will begin so make sure you understand your options.

Initial Enrollment

Your first chance to sign up for Medicare is called your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). It includes the month of your birthday plus the 3 months before and the 3 months after. During this time, you can sign up for Medicare Parts A, B, C, D or Medicare Supplement.

Part A Part B Part C Part D Supplemental

Annual Enrollment

The Annual Enrollment Period is when you choose your Medicare health and drug coverage for the following year. Annual Enrollment occurs every October 15 - December 7. During this period you can sign up for Part C, Part D or Medicare Supplement plans. Your new coverage will begin January 1.

Special Enrollment

Sometimes, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP):

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid.
If you lose group health coverage from your spouse's employer.

If you move away from your current plan's service area.
If your insurance company cancels your health plan.

Working Past 65?

A lot of people reach the age of Medicare eligibility and continue to work. Many have heath insurance through their employers. What about Medicare?

Should you delay enrollment in Medicare Part A or Part B?

Medicare Part A

Consider enrolling in Medicare Part A even if you are still working. For most people, Part A does not charge a Premium.

Ask employer if your existing coverage will change if you enroll in Medicare Part A.
If you’re required to pay a premium for Part A but you don’t sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period, your monthly premium may increase by 10%. You will be required to pay the higher premium for twice the amount of time you didn’t sign up for Part A.

Medicare Part B

The size of your employer will make a difference on whether you enroll in Part B while still working.

Your employer has more than 20 employees

Your employer's group health plan will be your primary insurer so you'd not need to enroll in Part B.

Your employer has less than 20 employees

Medicare will be your primary insurance so you should enroll in Part B when you are first eligible.

If you don't enroll in a Medicare plan, your employer's plan may not cover services that Medicare covers.

Consult your employer for assistance with making the best decision for your coverage needs.

How Do You Enroll?

How Do You Enroll

Enrolling in Medicare Parts A & B

If you are already getting Social Security Retirement or disability (or Railroad Retirement benefits) when you turn 65:

You will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B (Original Medicare) automatically
You should get a “Welcome to Medicare” packet and Medicare card in the mail from Social Security Administration about 3 months before your 65th birthday.

If you are not yet collecting retirement benefits:

You need to contact Social Security to apply for Medicare.
It is best to apply 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you do not apply, you will not be enrolled in Medicare.

Three Ways to Apply for Medicare Parts A and B

Online

Visit Social Security's Website

By Phone

Call Social Security's national customer hotline
At 1-800-722-1213

In Person

Visit Your Local Social Security Office

What You'll Need

An original or certified copy of your birth certificate.
Any W-2 forms you have from the last two years.
Your Social Security card or number.

Click the ages below to find out what you need to know about aging into Medicare

We know you have a lot to consider as you learn about Medicare, but don’t worry. Florida Blue Medicare is here to help you navigate your choices and ensure you get the benefits that matter most with the guidance you deserve. Explore our Medicare Education and see why you should choose Blue for your Medicare health plan needs.

You can begin enrolling in Medicare 3 months prior to your 65th birthday. Choosing Florida Blue Medicare means getting the full support of a community of health care experts. Learn more about our plans now

Depending on your needs and budget, you might be ready to enroll in Medicare now. If you don’t sign up when eligible, you could pay a late enrollment penalty.

If you have health insurance with an employer, a Medicare plan could work with your coverage. Check with your benefits administrator to see if it you should consider signing up for Parts A and B in addition to the coverage you get today.

Click the ages below to find out what you need to know about aging into Medicare

Age 63

Get Educated

Age 64

Research & Enroll

Age 65

Receive Benefits

Depending on your needs and budget, you might be ready to enroll in Medicare now. If you don’t sign up when eligible, you could pay a late enrollment penalty.

Age 65 +

You Have Options

FBM PLN 004 F 122019

Disclaimers

Last Updated: 10.01.2019
Y0011_35016 1019 CMS Accepted

Eligibility and Enrollment

Eligibility for Medicare and Enrollment Timelines

Who is Eligible

Initial Enrollment

Annual Enrollment

Special Enrollment

Working Past 65?

If you don't enroll in a Medicare plan, your employer's plan may not cover services that Medicare covers.

Enrolling in Medicare Parts A & B

Click the ages below to find out what you need to know about aging into Medicare

Click the ages below to find out what you need to know about aging into Medicare

Age 63

Get Educated

Age 64

Research & Enroll

Age 65

Receive Benefits

Age 65 +

You Have Options

Get your FREE Medicare Basics Guide