Turning 65 Medicare Guide for Central Texas

Turning 65 Medicare Guide Central Texas FAQ's

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Turning 65 Medicare Enrollment: When Can You Sign Up?
For most people, the Initial Enrollment Period lasts seven months: three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and three months after. If your birthday is June 15, the period generally runs from March 1 through September 30. Birthdays on the first day of a month use different timing.

When Does Medicare Coverage Start?
Enrollment during the three months before your birthday month generally starts coverage the first day of that month. Enrollment during or after your birthday month generally starts the first day of the following month.

Will I Automatically Be Enrolled in Medicare at 65?
If you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits at least four months before turning 65, you generally receive Part A and Part B automatically. Otherwise, sign up through the Social Security Administration.

What Are Medicare Parts A and B?
Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and certain home health care. Part B helps cover doctor services, outpatient care, preventive services, medical equipment, and other medically necessary services. Part B has a monthly premium.

What Medicare Coverage Decisions Do I Make After Enrolling?
Option 1 is Original Medicare with Part A and Part B, with optional Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) and Part D. Option 2 is Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, offered by Medicare-approved private companies. Most plans include Part D and may offer extra benefits.

Compare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement

I'm Turning 65 but Still Working. Do I Have to Enroll in Medicare?
Not necessarily. Current-employment group coverage may allow you to delay Part B without a penalty. With 20 or more employees, the group plan generally pays first; with fewer than 20 employees, Medicare generally pays first. Confirm coordination with your employer or benefits administrator.

What Happens When I Retire After Age 65?
If you delayed Part B because of qualifying current-employment coverage, you generally have an eight-month Special Enrollment Period after employment or group coverage ends, whichever comes first.

Does COBRA Let Me Delay Medicare?
COBRA is not treated the same as active-employment group coverage. The Special Enrollment Period generally begins when employment or qualifying coverage ends, even if you elect COBRA.

What About Retiree Health Insurance?
Retiree coverage differs from current-employment coverage. Medicare generally pays first, and the retiree plan may require Part A and Part B. Check with the plan administrator before enrolling in other Medicare coverage.

What If I Have an HSA?
Once enrolled in Medicare, you can no longer make HSA contributions, though you can use existing funds for qualified medical expenses. Retroactive Part A can affect HSA contributions, so coordinate enrollment dates carefully.

Do I Need Medicare Part D If I Don't Take Prescription Drugs?
Part D is optional, but going 63 consecutive days or more without Part D or other creditable prescription coverage may cause a late-enrollment penalty. Keep documentation of creditable coverage.

What Happens If I Miss My Initial Enrollment Period?
You may need the General Enrollment Period, January 1 through March 31 each year. Coverage generally begins the month after enrollment, and a Part B penalty may apply.

When Should I Start Preparing for Medicare?
Gather your current insurance, retirement date, doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, pharmacies, HSA participation, employer or retiree benefits, travel plans, and eligibility dates.

What Should I Compare Before Choosing Medicare Coverage?
Review Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Part D, and Medicare Advantage. Plans differ by location, insurance organization, provider network, prescription formulary, costs, and benefits.