When Should You Enroll in Medicare Advantage?
Aging In: Enrolling in Medicare at Age 65
Signing up for Medicare is one of the most important decisions you can make as you approach retirement. Planning ahead and knowing how to enroll in Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans can help you make the best choices.
How to enroll in Medicare Advantage before age 65
Even if you’re new to Medicare, you probably know that eligibility starts at age 65 for most people. However, you don’t need to enroll on your exact birth date. Medicare’s initial enrollment period (IEP) spans seven months, beginning three months before your 65th birthday month and ending three months after it.
During this IEP window, you can enroll in Medicare to secure coverage without a late penalty.* If you enroll before your birthday month, coverage begins when you turn 65. If you enroll during or after your birthday month, your coverage will start the following month.
It’s important to know: If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, starting the first day of the month you turn 65.
Signing up for Medicare Advantage while you’re still working
Many people work and have employer-sponsored health coverage when they become eligible for Medicare. If you’re in this situation, you may be eligible for a Medicare special enrollment period (SEP) after age 65 – once your group coverage or employment ends.
SEP is an eight-month window that lets you enroll in Medicare without penalties. Delaying Medicare can lead to payment penalties. For Medicare Part B, for example, you’ll have to pay an additional percentage for every 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll.
If your employer is a large group (20+ employees), you can delay Medicare enrollment until your employer-sponsored health coverage ends. If you work for a smaller employer with fewer than 20 employees, you may sign up for Medicare at age 65 (while you’re still working) to avoid coverage gaps.
Even if you’re covered by employer insurance, enrolling in Medicare Part A only at 65 may be a smart move. It’s often available for $0 premium and can serve as secondary coverage for hospital stays.
How to get Medicare before age 65
While most people qualify for Medicare at 65, there are rare exceptions for people who have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) or end-stage renal disease. Depending on the diagnosis, people suffering with these life-threatening conditions may be eligible to enroll early.
Early Medicare eligibility, however, isn’t tied to job loss or early retirement. If you lose employer-sponsored insurance before turning 65, you’ll need to explore alternative health coverage options until you reach Medicare eligibility.
Shop plans
When you’re considering the options, determine which Medicare Advantage plan will offer you the coverage, services and cost savings. Prominence presently offers Medicare Advantage health insurance plans in Florida, Nevada and Texas.
*All benefits not available on all plans
Additional resources from Prominence Medicare
Enroll in a Prominence Health Plan Medicare Advantage plan.
The comprehensive provider network offers members excellent access to quality medical services.
