Turning 65? Here Are Some Things to Know About Enrolling in Medicare

If you’re on the verge of turning 65, it’s time to look at enrolling in Medicare and enjoying the benefits it brings.  Medicare can provide high-quality coverage for the rest of your life, but you’ll need to be careful when enrolling!  Medicare is complicated, and there are a lot of choices which will determine whether you end up with a good insurance policy or not.

At Good & Associates, we’re dedicated to helping Californians find great insurance plans.  Here are some of the most important things to know about enrolling in Medicare.

When can you enroll in Medicare? 

Normally, changes to Medicare enrollment can only be made at the beginning of each calendar year, in January – March.  However, the exception is when you are first turning 65.  In that case, you have a seven-month window in which you can enroll at any time.  Basically, you can enroll any time in the month of your 65th birthday, as well as up to three months before or after that month.

It’s important to remember this, because if you miss your initial enrollment window, you’ll have to wait until the next January to have another opportunity.

What are the “parts” of Medicare?

You often hear people talking about things like Medicare Part A, or Medicare Part D.  Each refers to a different aspect of Medicare, which covers different healthcare needs.  Here’s a brief overview:

• Medicare Part A covers hospital care, hospice care, and similar services.
• Medicare Part B covers clinic visits, doctor’s appointments, and outpatient services.
• Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is a privately-run alternative to government Medicare which offers the same basic features as Parts A and B.  Part C can be cheaper, but it is less flexible and restricts you to a handful of registered primary care providers.
• Medicare Part D covers prescription medications and is separate from the other Parts.  It is always purchased through private insurers.

How do I find the best Medicare plans?

The best way to navigate your Medicare choices, and get a plan that fits your lifestyle, is to work with a health insurance broker!  California health insurance brokers can offer you choices from across all the providers in the state, looking for the best deals and the best coverage.  They’ll also work with you, to ensure all your paperwork is handled properly.

If you need Medicare coverage, contact the experts at Good & Associates for help!