Jack's Blog on Medicare Plan Choices

Most people become entitled to Medicare Part A at 65 or after receiving disability benefits for 24 months. You’re also entitled if you have ALS or ESRD.

For many, enrollment in Part A is automatic. This happens if you’re already getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65, or you’ve been on disability for 24 months. In these cases, you’re both entitled to and enrolled in Part A automatically.

If you’re not receiving these benefits, you may need to actively enroll even if you’re entitled. This often applies to people still working at 65 who haven’t started Social Security.

If you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, you don’t pay a premium for Part A. You’re “premium-free Part A eligible.” Automatic enrollees get their Medicare card about 3 months before eligibility. Others can sign up during their 7-month Initial Enrollment Period.

Those still working with employer coverage might delay enrolling in Part A. If you’re premium-free eligible, there’s usually no penalty for late enrollment.

Always verify your status as you approach eligibility to avoid missing coverage or facing delays.

Before choosing an Advantage or Supplement plan, ensure you have a thorough understanding of Medicare itself. When it’s time to explore your options, don’t fall for a sales pitch from a single company or an agent representing only one provider.

At “More Plans More Choices,” I can provide you with side-by-side comparisons from various insurance carriers. More carriers plus more plans equals more choices.

Call me toll free at (888) 883-6074