Kennedale Medicare Plans

If you are turning 65, it’s important to start thinking about enrolling in Medicare. Medicare is a government-sponsored healthcare program that provides coverage for individuals who are 65 years of age or older, as well as those with certain disabilities. However, it’s important to note that Medicare is separate from your Social Security application for income benefits, and you will need to enroll in Medicare separately.

Medicare has several different parts, including Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and Original Medicare. Medicare Part A covers hospitalization costs, while Medicare Part B covers doctor visits and other medical services. Original Medicare is a combination of Parts A and B.

If you are already taking Social Security income benefits or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B at age 65. However, if you are not taking retirement benefits yet, you will need to submit a Medicare application yourself.

It’s important to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which lasts for 7 months. This timeline begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month and runs for 3 months after your birth month. Enrolling in Medicare during your IEP will ensure that you have no late penalties, and there is also no pre-existing condition waiting periods.

In addition to Medicare Parts A and B, you may also want to consider enrolling in a Medicare Part D plan, which covers prescription drug costs. You can enroll in a Part D plan during your IEP or during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15th to December 7th each year.

If you miss your IEP and don’t have a special enrollment period, you may face a late enrollment penalty, which can be costly. Additionally, if you don’t enroll in Medicare when you’re first eligible, you may have to wait until the next General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1st to March 31st each year. During this time, you may face a gap in coverage and higher premiums.

In conclusion, if you are turning 65, it’s important to start thinking about enrolling in Medicare. Be sure to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid late penalties and ensure that you have coverage when you need it. If you have any questions or need help enrolling, reach out to a licensed Ashford Insurance agent.