Medicare 101
The Basics of Medicare
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and people under age 65 with certain disabilities and certain types of kidney disease or ALS.
Who is eligible for Medicare?
Age: You generally become eligible for Medicare when you turn 65.
Disability: If you are medically disabled and on disability for two years or more before the age of 65.
End Stage Renal Disease: If you have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) that requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: If you have ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Additional requirements may apply.
When to enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)?
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
When you first become eligible for Medicare
You can first sign up for Part A and/or Part B during the 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. In most cases, your coverage will begin on the first day of your birthday month or the 1st of the month following the month you elect coverage during your Initial Enrollment Period, whichever is later.
General Medicare Enrollment Period
Between January 1 and March 31
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up during Medicare’s General Enrollment Period (between January 1 and March 31), and your coverage will begin on the 1st day of the month following the month you enroll. You may have to pay a higher Part A and/or Part B premium for late enrollment.
Medicare 101
What are the different parts of Medicare?
Medicare 101
When can I enroll?
Viva Medicare Plans