Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

The first step in signing up for Medicare is to determine your eligibility. You are eligible for Medicare if you are 65 years of age or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who has lived in the country for at least five years. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65. However, if you are not receiving Social Security benefits, you will need to sign up for Medicare yourself during your initial enrollment period.

Step 2: Choose Your Coverage

Once you’ve determined your eligibility, it’s time to choose your coverage. Medicare is made up of four parts:

• Part A (hospital insurance)
• Part B (medical insurance)
• Part C (Medicare Advantage)
• Part D (prescription drug coverage)

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers a wide range of medical services, but it may not cover everything you need. That’s where Part C and Part D come in. Medicare Advantage plans offer all-in-one coverage that includes Parts A, B, and often D, while standalone Part D plans provide prescription drug coverage. When choosing your coverage, consider your healthcare needs and budget.

Step 3: Enroll in Medicare

To sign up for Medicare, you can visit the Social Security Administration’s website, call their toll-free number, or visit your local Social Security office. You can enroll in Medicare during your initial enrollment period, which starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after it. If you miss this window, you may have to pay a penalty for late enrollment.

Step 4: Review Your Plan Annually

It’s important to review your Medicare coverage annually to ensure that it still meets your healthcare needs and budget. Medicare plans can change from year to year, so it’s a good idea to review your options during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Switch from one Part D plan to another
• Enroll in or drop Part D coverage altogether

Step 5: Get Help from an Independent Insurance Agent

Navigating Medicare can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the program. That’s why it’s a good idea to get help from an independent insurance agent who specializes in Medicare. These agents can help you review plans, understand your coverage options, and enroll in a plan that meets your needs. Best of all, their services are free.