If you’re nearing age 65 or have a disability, you may have questions about your Medicare eligibility and how enrollment works. Because there are so many options and parts available, the process can be confusing, but an experienced insurance agent can help you relieve the stress and make an informed decision. Here is some helpful information you need to know about Medicare coverage.

Navigating Medicare Enrollment With an Insurance Agent

Parts A & B

There are multiple kinds of Medicare coverage, and enrollment is different for each one. If the participant is already drawing Social Security benefits at least four months before they turn 65, then Part A, or hospital insurance, and part B, or medical insurance, automatically begin for most Americans the month they turn 65. Your seven-month enrollment period will begin three months before the month of your 65th birthday, and end three months after that month. If you need to buy Part A or B because you’re ineligible for automatic enrollment, it’s best to sign up as soon as possible, because the later you enroll, the later your coverage begins.

Parts C & D

A Medicare Advantage Plan, or Part C, is an additional plan to Parts A and B that is offered by a private company contracted by Medicare. Part C may also include additional coverage such as vision, dental, and prescription drugs. Part D is a stand-alone prescription drug coverage plan. Parts C and D can both be joined during the annual election period from October 15th-December 7th. You are also able to enroll when you age into Medicare, qualify due to a disability, or lose group health coverage after age 65. 

Medigap Coverage

Additionally, if you have Parts A and B, you can choose to purchase a Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, policy to cover additional medical costs not covered by Original Medicare. Speak to your insurance agent about adding this supplemental insurance to assist with your healthcare costs.

If you’re newly eligible for Medicare or just want to reassess your existing coverage, turn to insurance agent Brent Layton in Box Elder County, UT. He knows Medicare is a complicated system to navigate, and he has 25 years of experience to help you get through your enrollment period with confidence and clarity. Call or text (435) 279-5723 or email him directly at bclayton@citlink.net to set up an appointment or get more information.