When to Sign Up

If You are Turning 65 or New to Medicare

• Determine if you need both Medicare A and B or just part A (if you are still working and covered under an employer). If still under employer coverage, we recommend that you compare side by side with your Medicare options to see which is best for your needs. Contact us to set a free appointment!

• To add Medicare Part A and B call Social Security (1-800-772-1213) or apply online (https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up). Make sure to ask them about any forms needed from your employer. 

• In addition to Parts A & Part B, it is imperative that you obtain drug coverage and additional coverage that covers the 20% that Medicare does not. You can explore plans options we represent here https://www.planenroll.com/?purl=6o0K2xMm

• When you are new to Medicare, call us to set up an appointment to review your Medicare plan options! (804) 496-1427

Buying a Medicare Supplement Policy

• The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which is the six-month period that begins on the first day of the month in which you turn 65 or older and have enrolled in Part B. (Some states have additional Open Enrollment Periods.) After this enrollment period, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy as insurance companies have medical underwriting that may make you ineligible (based on health history, current medical conditions or prescription drugs). 

• If you delay in Part B because you have group health coverage based on your (or your spouse's) current employment, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period won't start until you sign up for Part B.

• You can purchase a Medicare Supplement Policy any time of the year, though if you are not in your Medigap Open Enrollment Period you may need to go through underwriting. Compare Medigap policies we represent here https://www.planenroll.com/?purl=6o0K2xMm

Annual Enrollment Period

• This is the one time of year when ALL people with Medicare can make changes to their health and prescription drug plans for the next year. This is called the Annual Enrollment Period which takes place between October 15- December 7. During this time you may:

• Make no change - your current coverage should remain the same (see your plans annual notice of change - ANOC). 

• Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.

• Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.

• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage.

• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage.

• Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

• Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

• Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.

• Your new coverage begins on January 1 if you switched to a new plan. If you stay with the same plan, any changes to coverage, benefits, or costs as described in the ANOC for the new year will begin on January 1.

Open Enrollment Period

• If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), you can make a change to a different plan or switch back to Original Medicare (and join a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan) once from January 1 to March 31. Any changes you make will be effective the first of the month after the plan gets your request.

If need have questions about enrollment please give us a call. We're here to help. (804) 496-1427

This information comes from www.medicare.gov and Medicare and You.