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New to Medicare? Start Here

Turning 65 is a big milestone, and Medicare can feel like a lot at first. This page walks you through the essentials in plain language.

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01

When Can I Enroll?

Medicare is health coverage from the federal government. Most people become eligible at 65, and some people qualify sooner because of a disability. Medicare is made up of four parts:

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Initial Enrollment Period.

This is a seven-month window around your 65th birthday. It begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after.

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Annual Enrollment Period.

Every year from October 15 to December 7, people with Medicare can review and change their Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Changes take effect January 1.

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Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment.

From January 1 to March 31, people already in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.

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Special Enrollment Periods.

Certain life events, such as moving, losing other coverage or leaving employer insurance, may let you enroll or change plans outside the usual windows.

02

What Happens If I Wait?

Enrolling late can sometimes mean lifelong penalties. A late Part B enrollment penalty can raise your premium, and a late Part D penalty can add to your monthly drug plan cost. An advisor can help you check whether you have creditable coverage and avoid costly mistakes.

03

Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

This is the first big decision.

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Original Medicare (Parts A and B) lets you see any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare. Many people add a Medicare Supplement plan and a Part D drug plan.

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Medicare Advantage bundles your coverage into one plan from a private carrier. These plans usually have provider networks and often include extras

03

A Simple Checklist Before You Choose

01

List your doctors and specialists.

02

List your prescriptions.

03

Think about how much you can comfortably spend each month and in an emergency

04

Decide whether you travel or spend time in other states

05

Ask whether you want extras such as dental, vision or hearing

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Talk With a Licensed Advisor

You do not need to understand everything before you call. Tell us what matters to you, and we will walk through the options together.

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