Your first steps
OK, let’s talk about how you’ll get started with Medicare. The first step is enrolling in Original Medicare, Medicare Parts A and B. Here’s the when and how of it all.
Do I automatically receive Medicare when I turn 65?
Most people qualify for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) when they turn 65. But the rules about Medicare eligibility and when you can enroll for Medicare Parts A and B can be complicated. They’re based on your age, whether you’re retired or still working, and whether or not you’re receiving Social Security benefits.
When should you enroll in Original Medicare?
The best time for you to enroll in Original Medicare is during the three months before turning 65. But there are some exceptions. We'll help you understand Medicare eligibility, and when you should enroll in Original Medicare. Then we'll help you complete the rest of your coverage.
You’ve got options!
If you plan to keep working at 65, and you’re self-employed or you work for a small business, you’ll want to get Medicare when you turn 65. Check back here 3 months before your birthday, sign up for Original Medicare, and complete your coverage with our Empire Medicare plans.
If you’re working at a big company, and stay on your employer’s plan, it’s still a good idea to research your Medicare options 3 months before you turn 65. Using parts of Medicare may save you money even before you retire.
Your timing is perfect!
You can decide to use all or part of your Medicare benefits, even if you still work. Just enroll before your birthday to avoid penalties or gaps in coverage.
Your timing is perfect!
You can decide to use all or part of your Medicare benefits, even if you still work. Just enroll before your birthday to avoid penalties or gaps in coverage.
OK! Just enroll when you retire.
You’re probably still enrolled in the healthcare plan you have with your employer. That’s great, but you can still check out whether using parts of Medicare could save you money even while you work. Explore our Medicare plans and watch for yearly enrollment periods.
OK! Just enroll when you retire.
You’re probably still enrolled in the healthcare plan you have with your employer. That’s great, but you can still check out whether using parts of Medicare could save you money even while you work. Explore our Medicare plans and watch for yearly enrollment periods.
Good job checking in!
You’ve got some time so it’s a great idea to start exploring your Medicare options. Check out Empire’s plans now and be sure to enroll in Original Medicare 3 months before your 65th birthday.
Perfect timing!
It’s within 3 months of birthday month. Now is the perfect time to look into Medicare and the plans we offer. Sign up for Original Medicare now so your coverage starts before your birthday and you avoid paying penalties on Parts A, B, or D. Then add the Medicare plans you want from Empire to complete your coverage.
Happy birthday!
Now is the time to sign up for Original Medicare. Since you just turned 65, you can still get it without paying any government penalties if you enroll now. However, your coverage may take a few months to kick in. Once you’re enrolled, come back to Anthem to complete your coverage with our plans.
Happy birthday!
Now is the time to sign up for Original Medicare. Since you just turned 65, you can still get it without paying any government penalties if you enroll now. However, your coverage may take a few months to kick in. Once you’re enrolled, come back to Anthem to complete your coverage with our plans.
Enroll as soon as possible.
Since you’re over 65, you qualify for Medicare and you should sign up now. You can get great plans but it might take a few months to kick in. And since you’re a little late signing up, you may have to pay some penalties on your premiums for Medicare programs.
Here's how to sign up
Do you have Social Security yet?
If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, great! You’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. If you decide not to enroll in Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay some late-enrollment fees.
If you haven’t signed up for Social Security yet and you’re no longer working, be sure to do it at least three months before your 65th birthday. You can go to www.ssa.gov for more information and to sign up.
Need more information about when and how to sign up for Medicare, Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription (Part D), and Medicare Supplement?
Check out our Sign Up for Medicare page.
Things to know if you’re still working past 65
If you plan to keep working, here are some important things to know about how you might want to use Medicare.
How many people are in your company?
When you work for a larger employer, you have choices.
If you work at a large company, you can keep your employer’s plan even after turning 65. If you like your health plan and it’s affordable, you can wait to receive Medicare benefits until you retire. When you do retire, you will likely be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. Interested in learning about Original Medicare, when you become eligible, plus when and how to sign up?
Even though you’re still working with a large company, using parts of Medicare could save you money. Some employer plans cost more to cover things like hospital coverage, prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing. Adding Original Medicare and plans with Empire, in addition to your employer plan, could keep you covered for these extras at an affordable price even while you still work. Check out what Original Medicare does and doesn’t cover on our Original Medicare: Parts A & B page.
Sometimes the best option is to take Medicare when you turn 65, even if you’re still working at a big company. You may be able to save money on hospital and medical insurance with Original Medicare, Parts A and B. And then you can save on important coverage like prescription drugs, vision, dental, and hearing with our Empire Medicare Plans. First, you’ll want to sign up for Original Medicare with the government during the 3 months before your 65th birthday. Then you can add all the additional coverage you’ll need right here with us. You can receive prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing with our Empire Medicare Plans.
In most cases, switching to Medicare will be your best option. Medicare is designed to help you save money on all your healthcare needs, so there are lots of good options when you switch. First, you’ll sign up for Original Medicare with the government during the 3 months before your 65th birthday. Then you can add all the additional coverage you’ll need right here with us. You can receive prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing with our Empire Medicare plans.
If you’re self-employed or on an individual plan, chances are you’ll want Medicare when you turn 65, even if you’re still working. The good news is, it should save you money on your health insurance. Medicare is designed to help. Sign up for Original Medicare with the government in the 3 months before you turn 65 to avoid late fees and gaps in your coverage. Then you can find the right health plans here with us to add more coverage for things like prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing. Some of our plans can also save you money on the costs of Original Medicare.
Medicare costs
If it wasn’t for Medicare, healthcare might become really expensive at 65 and beyond.
You may have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A but most people don’t, and Medicare Part B premiums are very affordable. You can receive additional benefits with private insurers like us to help you cover services and expenses Original Medicare doesn’t cover. There are also special programs available if you need more help affording the costs of Medicare. Learn more about Medicare costs.
What disabilities qualify for Medicare under 65?
If you’re permanently disabled and you’ve been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 2 years, you’re eligible for Medicare and you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
If you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you’ll qualify for Original Medicare (Parts A and B), no matter how old you are. You’ll need to sign up for Medicare when you first become eligible, as enrollment is not automatic. Contact Social Security or visit your local Social Security office for more information on signing up for Medicare if you have ESRD.
If you have ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B the month your disability benefits begin — whatever your age is.
Is Medicare mandatory at age 65?
If you’re already receiving social security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65. If you’re not enrolled in Social Security and you decide not to sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay some late-enrollment fees.
Is there a penalty for not signing up for Medicare at age 65?
If you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B when you're first eligible, your monthly premium may go up 10% for each year you could've had Part B but didn't sign up. In most cases, you'll have to pay this penalty each time you pay your premiums, for as long as you have Part B.
Making sure your loved ones are covered
It’s important to think about whether you have dependents on your current health insurance plan. If you’re the primary insurance holder on your plan, when you sign up for Medicare your dependents will no longer be covered under that plan or under your new Medicare plan. These family members can purchase a separate individual or family health plan from a private insurer, like us.
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