When is the Medicare initial enrollment period?

Your initial enrollment period begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after your birthday month. The only exception is if your birthday falls on the first of the month, which causes the enrollment period to start one month early. During the initial enrollment period, you can enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, C and/or D.

When is Medigap’s open enrollment period?

Once you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and B (Original Medicare), there is a six-month open enrollment period for Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans. This window begins with your effective date for Part B and is a one-time election period.

I missed my Medicare enrollment period - what do I do?

If you missed your initial enrollment period, you may face some penalties, but only if you do not have any other credible coverage. If you do not enroll in Part B during initial enrollment, you’ll pay a late enrollment penalty of an extra 10% of your premium for every 12-month period you should have had Part B. This penalty is added to each month as long as you have coverage. If you don’t have Part D coverage and missed your enrollment period, you’ll also pay a late enrollment penalty of an extra 1% of your premium for as long as you have coverage. If you do not qualify for free Part A coverage for whatever reason and you miss your enrollment period, you may also pay an extra penalty of an extra 10% of your premium for twice the number of years you didn’t have coverage.

What if I have employer coverage?

Many individuals work beyond the age of 65 and would like to continue their employer coverage, instead of signing up for Medicare. When you do retire, you’ll be able to enroll during a special enrollment period. This period is eight months long and begins either the month after you or your spouse retires or the month your employer-provided coverage ends, whichever happens first. Often times, Medicare plans are less expensive and offer better benefits than employee plans. Request a free consultation today, it’s worth knowing all your options and comparing benefits.

What is a Medicare special enrollment period?

If you work beyond age 65 and have employer-provided coverage you would like to continue with, you can delay enrollment into Medicare without penalty. If you move outside of a plan’s service area, this triggers a two-month enrollment period during which you could switch to a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. You could also return to Original Medicare without a penalty and possibly enroll in Medigap.

When can I enroll in the Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part D?

The annual enrollment period for Medicare Part C and D begins October 15 and ends December 7, respectively, each year. If you miss this period, you may be required to wait for the next valid enrollment period. During annual enrollment, you can switch to Medicare Advantage from Original Medicare (Plans A and B). You can also switch your Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans. Medicare now provides an additional enrollment period specifically for Medicare Advantage plans. This enrollment period begins January 1st through March 31st and allows you to make a change from one Advantage plan to another.

Am I required to sign up for Medicare?

No, you are not, but if you do not have hospital insurance already, there will be penalties for delaying your enrollment.

Enrollment Periods and Eligibility Teton Medicare Idaho Falls ID

Enrollment Periods and Eligibility for Medicare

Understanding Medicare enrollment periods and eligibility can be complex, but Teton Medicare is here to help. We're dedicated to guiding you through the intricacies of Medicare, ensuring you make informed decisions about your health coverage. Our expert team offers comprehensive assistance with:

Initial enrollment period
General enrollment period
Special enrollment periods
Medicare advantage open enrollment period
Annual election period
Eligibility requirements
Late enrollment penalties

Contact Teton Medicare today to navigate your Medicare enrollment options with confidence.

Why Understanding Enrollment Periods and Eligibility Matters

Knowing when and how to enroll in Medicare is crucial for avoiding gaps in coverage and potential penalties. Here's why it's essential to be well-informed:

Timely enrollment ensures continuous health coverage
Avoid late enrollment penalties that can increase premiums
Take advantage of special enrollment periods when applicable
Understand eligibility criteria for different Medicare parts
Make informed decisions about Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans
Coordinate Medicare with other insurance coverage

Don't let confusion about enrollment periods and eligibility compromise your healthcare coverage. Reach out to Teton Medicare for expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

All About Medicare Eligibility

You can qualify for Medicare coverage at the age of 65 if you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident and you have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least five years. If you are under 65, you can also qualify if you meet these criteria:

You are permanently disabled and have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months.
You have end-stage renal disease.
You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS aka Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Part A Eligibility

You are eligible for Medicare Part A coverage at no cost at the age of 65 as long as you or your spouse has worked for at least 10 years in the United States. If you have not worked for 10 years, you can still purchase Part A coverage. If you have already enrolled in Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A. If not, contact the Social Security office to enroll. Your Medicare card will arrive approximately one month before you turn 65-years-old.

Part B Eligibility

The same eligibility requirements for Part A apply for Part B, though there is a monthly premium.

Part C Eligibility

To be eligible for Medicare Part C (aka Medicare Advantage), you must first be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B.

Part D Eligibility

You are eligible for Part D as long as you are enrolled in either Medicare Part A or B.

If you have any other questions, Teton Medicare is here to answer them! Give us a call today to request an appointment. Our independent agency is connected with all competitive providers in the area, so we can give you the best selection of options.

What Sets Teton Medicare Apart

When it comes to navigating Medicare enrollment periods and eligibility, Teton Medicare stands out as your trusted partner. Here's why countless clients in Southeast Idaho rely on our expertise:

50 years of combined experience in Medicare consulting
Free same-day consultations for immediate assistance
Se habla español
Licensed in 9 states for comprehensive Medicare coverage
Locally owned and operated since 2016
National certifications for Medicare expertise
Immediate response to your inquiries and concerns
Personalized guidance for Medicare, health, and life insurance

Our commitment to your well-being extends beyond enrollment periods. We're here to support you throughout your Medicare journey, ensuring you have the right coverage at every stage of life.

Contact Us

Don't let Medicare enrollment periods and eligibility questions keep you up at night. Teton Medicare is here to provide clarity and peace of mind. Our experienced team is ready to offer personalized guidance, ensuring you make the best decisions for your health coverage needs. Whether you're approaching your Initial Enrollment Period, considering changes during the Annual Election Period, or facing a Special Enrollment Period due to life changes, we're here to help.

Reach out to Teton Medicare today and take the first step towards confident Medicare coverage. Your health and financial security are our top priorities, and we're committed to making your Medicare experience as smooth and beneficial as possible.

When is the Medicare initial enrollment period?
Your initial enrollment period begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after your birthday month.

The only exception is if your birthday falls on the first of the month, which causes the enrollment period to start one month early.

During the initial enrollment period, you can enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, C and/or D.
When is Medigap’s open enrollment period?
Once you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and B (Original Medicare), there is a six-month open enrollment period for Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans. This window begins with your effective date for Part B and is a one-time election period.
I missed my Medicare enrollment period - what do I do?
If you missed your initial enrollment period, you may face some penalties, but only if you do not have any other credible coverage.

If you do not enroll in Part B during initial enrollment, you’ll pay a late enrollment penalty of an extra 10% of your premium for every 12-month period you should have had Part B. This penalty is added to each month as long as you have coverage.

If you don’t have Part D coverage and missed your enrollment period, you’ll also pay a late enrollment penalty of an extra 1% of your premium for as long as you have coverage.

If you do not qualify for free Part A coverage for whatever reason and you miss your enrollment period, you may also pay an extra penalty of an extra 10% of your premium for twice the number of years you didn’t have coverage.
What if I have employer coverage?
Many individuals work beyond the age of 65 and would like to continue their employer coverage, instead of signing up for Medicare. When you do retire, you’ll be able to enroll during a special enrollment period. This period is eight months long and begins either the month after you or your spouse retires or the month your employer-provided coverage ends, whichever happens first. Often times, Medicare plans are less expensive and offer better benefits than employee plans. Request a free consultation today, it’s worth knowing all your options and comparing benefits.
What is a Medicare special enrollment period?
If you work beyond age 65 and have employer-provided coverage you would like to continue with, you can delay enrollment into Medicare without penalty.

If you move outside of a plan’s service area, this triggers a two-month enrollment period during which you could switch to a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. You could also return to Original Medicare without a penalty and possibly enroll in Medigap.
When can I enroll in the Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part D?
The annual enrollment period for Medicare Part C and D begins October 15 and ends December 7, respectively, each year. If you miss this period, you may be required to wait for the next valid enrollment period.

During annual enrollment, you can switch to Medicare Advantage from Original Medicare (Plans A and B). You can also switch your Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans.

Medicare now provides an additional enrollment period specifically for Medicare Advantage plans. This enrollment period begins January 1st through March 31st and allows you to make a change from one Advantage plan to another.
Am I required to sign up for Medicare?
No, you are not, but if you do not have hospital insurance already, there will be penalties for delaying your enrollment.

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Medicare Enrollment and Eligibility

Idaho Falls and Pocatello, ID

Enrollment Periods and Eligibility for Medicare

Why Understanding Enrollment Periods and Eligibility Matters

All About Medicare Eligibility

What Sets Teton Medicare Apart

Contact Us

When is the Medicare initial enrollment period?

When is Medigap’s open enrollment period?

I missed my Medicare enrollment period - what do I do?

What if I have employer coverage?

What is a Medicare special enrollment period?

When can I enroll in the Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part D?

Am I required to sign up for Medicare?

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