When you turn 65, you will be eligible to enroll in Medicare to receive help paying for healthcare through this government-funded program. But to start using Medicare, you must participate in a specific Medicare enrollment process.
Here is what you should know about this process to properly prepare:
- After you turn 65, you will be able to participate in an initial Medicare enrollment period. This enrollment period begins three months before you turn 65 and then lasts for three months after your 65th
- As you review the details of individual Medicare plans, think about which plan will provide the best benefits, how much you will pay in monthly premiums, and if your Medicare plan will work with any other types of health insurance you have.
- If you need or want more coverage than you will receive through Original Medicare, look into a Medicare Advantage Plan. These plans offer similar coverage to Original Medicare, with additional benefits, like vision and dental coverage.
- When you enroll in Medicare Part B, the program will provide a free “Welcome to Medicare” exam in the first year after you enroll. Although this exam is optional, it is a helpful way to know where you stand medically. These exams usually include a vision test, a screening for depression, a body mass index calculation, a safety assessment, an offer to discuss advance directives, and more.
At Jeannie Pierce Insurance Agency, we are here to help you prepare for Medicare enrollment. To learn more about this process, contact us today.