The process of switching to Medicare is very simple however you may be unsure of where to begin. This article will serve as a guide for how to sign up for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B benefits.
For more information about Medicare benefits or Part C Medicare Advantage plans read more here.
If you have any questions about medicare plans, or need assistance enrolling, please reach out to us here at Meadowcrest Family Physicians. Our commitment to improving your health doesn’t stop at the office. We strive to be available in any way possible to assist you.
Step 1: Determining Medicare Eligibility
Knowing when you will be eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B benefits helps you plan for coverage dates and your budget. The date of enrollment affects the date the coverage goes into effect. A good tip is to sign up as early as possible to avoid potential late enrollment penalties.
For the Vast majority of Senior Citizens, age 65 marks the beginning of Medicare eligibility. There are however several other instances under which one may qualify at a younger age.
Other Ways to Qualify Under 65
One may qualify at an age younger than 65 if any of the following apply:
- Diagnosed with a Disability
- Diagnosed with ALS(Amyotrophic LAteral Sclerosis), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
If you believe that you qualify for under one of these instances, We suggest reading more here at medicare.gov
“Once you’re eligible for Medicare, you’ll have an Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare. For most people, the Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before their 65th birthday and ends 3 months after their 65th birthday.” Medicare.gov
Advisement for Social Security recipients and members of the RRB
if you receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at least 4 months before turning 65, you will receive Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) automatically.
Step 2: Signing up with Social Security Office
Assuming you or a loved one is turing 65 and not receiving Social Security…
The next task is to sign up with Social Security to get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). The Initial Enrollment Period spans 7 months and is your opportunity to sign up for Medicare
Initial Enrollment Period
- 3 months before your 65th birthday
- The month of your 65th birthday
- 3 months after your 65th birthday
Step 3: Canceling Marketplace Coverage
If you receive coverage under a Marketplace plan, you will want to end your coverage upon reaching Medicare eligibility.
Important note: do not end your marketplace plan until your new coverage starts. If Marketplace coverage is terminated prematurely, you risk having to wait until the next open enrollment period.
The following chart shows the month in which coverage begins being dependant on the month signed up in.
| Medicare Enrollment Month | Coverage Starts |
| 3 months before turning 65 | first day of calander birth month |
| month of turning 65 | 1 month after signing up |
| 1 month after turning 65 | 2 months after signing up |
| 2 months after turning 65 | 3 months after signing up |
| 3 months after turning 65 | 3 months after signing up |
| During the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – March 31) | July 1st |
Once you and your spouse are ready to cancel your marketplace insurance coverage, Log into your Marketplace account Log into your Marketplace account here, then complete the following steps.
- Click “Start a new application or update an existing one.”
- Click on your name in the top right of the screen, and select “My applications & coverage.”
- Select your application under “Your existing applications.”
- On the left, select “My Plans & Programs.”
- Select the red button “End (Terminate) All Coverage” at the bottom.
- Select the date you want to end your coverage.
- Check the attestation box.
- Click the red “Terminate Coverage” button
Your termination can take effect as soon as the day you cancel, you can alternatively set the Marketplace coverage to end on a date in the future.
We Recommend Medicare Advantage Plans to our Patients.
Regardless of health Insurance policy, you can be assured that your health care is our number one priority. We have found that our patients are getting better benefits with Medicare Advantage Plans and strongly recommend that you explore your Medicare Advantage options
