Everyone signs up for Original Medicare Parts A & B with Social Security

Your Initial Election Period is three months before the month you turn 65, the month of and three months after.

If you are still working and have an employer plan, you can wait to start your Part B. You can end the employer plan in favor of Medicare whenever you like; it is considered a life event. Sign up for Medicare Part B using the Special Election Period when you are within 63 days of leaving other creditable coverage.

Call us if you have questions about your situation.

Supplements are secondary to Original Medicare. There are ten standardized plans named by letter: A, B, C, D, F, G, J, K, L, N. Supplements can be replaced any time of year but do must undergo medical underwriting.

Open Enrollment

Open enrollment for a Supplement is a one time event. It lasts for six months from the time you either turn 65 or start your Medicare Part B. During this time, you can enroll in any Supplement plan with no medical questions asked.

Guarantee Issue

There are certain situations, outside of open enrollment, when you can sign up for a supplement without answering medical questions. To learn more about Guarantee Issue rights, look on page 22 of the CMS publication titled, “Medicare Medigap Shoppers Guide.”

Underwritten

You can apply for a supplement any time of the year. You will need to answer some medical questions on the application. The insurance company will decide whether you are approved. They may also charge a higher premium or you could be denied coverage.

---

Plan F and C are no longer available to anyone starting Medicare on or after January 2020. If you have had your Medicare before 2020, you can still have or get either Plan F or C.

Annual Open Enrollment

October 15- December 7

Each year, we discuss your plan and how it is working for you. We also make note of how benefits are changing for the next year. In September, we write a letter to all our clients. The letter reminds them about the fall Open Enrollment. It also offers our help to make any adjustments that might be needed.

If you are happy with your plan, it will usually continue for next year with nothing you need to do. If you want to switch, we will get the paperwork done and your new plan starts January 1st.

Open Enrollment

January 1 – March 31

This enrollment period is for those who have an Advantage Plan (Part C). During this time, you can choose another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare with a Supplement and drug plan.

Special Election Periods

There are times outside of the regular enrollment periods that you can change plans. Usually an event will trigger this like when you move, qualify for state or federal assistance and lose other coverage.

---

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 12 organizations which offer 84 plans in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.