Medicare & You
Educational Videos & Resources from CMS and Medicare.govMedicare & You & Get Started With Medicare
The following videos and brochure are provided by and copyright of The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and are for informational purposes.
Get Started with Medicare
Parts of Medicare
Get Started with Medicare
Your Initial Enrollment Period
Medicare & You
Deciding to Sign Up For Medicare Part B
Get Started with Medicare - The Difference Between Original Medicare & Medicare Advantage
Get Started with Medicare
Part B Late Enrollment Penalty
Medicare & You
Medicare's Preventative Benefits
Download Brochure
Download the "Medicare & You" handbook in various prints and formats - PDF, eBook, Audio, and you can call CMS (1-800-633-4227) (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) for Braille or paper handbook.
Becoming Eligible for Medicare
To sign up for original Medicare Parts A & B, along with Part D, most people will have an Initial Enrollment Period which is a 7 month period around the time they turn age 65. This period begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.
Once your Initial Enrollment Period is over, if you wish to change or purchase Advantage or Part D Plans, you must act during the open enrollment period.
NOTICE: Once you are eligible for Medicare, do not wait to enroll in a Medicare Part D Plan or you could end up paying a penalty every month.
SPECIAL ENROLLMENT – OTHER TIMES YOU MAY ENROLL
Once enrolled in Medicare, if you wish to change or purchase Medicare plans you must act during the open enrollment period.
When open enrollment is closed, there are special circumstances in which one may qualify to enroll outside of the enrollment period. Listed below are the qualifying events:
- You are turning 65
- You move to a new area that is not in your current plan’s service area
- Recently moved back to the US
- You lose your current coverage (either Group or Medicaid)
- You now need a SNP (Special Needs Plan) or you no longer need a SNP
Medicare
Open Enrollment
October 15th through December 7th every year.
A Helpful Checklist for New Medicare Recipients
Turning 65? Navigating healthcare through Medicare is not as simple as receiving it through your employer. Here’s a checklist to help make the daunting transition a little easier.
- Review your health insurance needs, taking in consideration medications and regular doctor visits, and any procedures you know you will need.
- See if your current providers accept Medicare.
- Learn the basics of Medicare to find out what Medicare covers. Visit our Medicare Premiums page, or our Medicare & You page to help you get a better understanding of Medicare.
- Talk to a Medicare Professional to help you research the cost of Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap Plans in your area and help you decide which is better for your needs.
- Ask your advisor if you qualify for additional benefits or getting help with Medicare costs.
Enrolling in Medicare
You need to enroll in original Medicare (Parts A & B) before you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan.
To enroll, you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility. Some acceptable documents are birth certificate, proof citizenship if not born in the US, W-2 or tax forms, and or military records.
Follow this link to apply online or call your local Social Security office. Here you can enroll, create your Medicare account, track your Medicare information such as bills, claims, health information and more, as well as print your Medicare card.
Medicare Works For You and Your Health Through the ACA
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), several aspects of Medicare are now enhanced to help reduce costs and expand coverage for Medicare recipients. Here’s a summary of how these enhancements help your budget and your overall health:
Reduced prescription drug costs:
In the past when Medicare recipients entered the coverage gap known as the “Donut Hole,” they were responsible for 100% of their prescription costs. The ACA provided discounts and subsidies that reduced those costs by half, and currently, in 2021, the donut hole officially closed for all drugs. In other words, when Medicare recipients enter the coverage gap, they are now responsible for only 25% of the cost of their drugs.
Adds wellness and preventative benefits into Medicare Part B with no additional costs.
Get over a dozen FREE preventative screenings and other wellness benefits that include mammograms, colorectal screenings, heart health, free vaccines and flu shots, addiction programs, mental health services, nutrition assistance and more.
Improves Medicare Advantage
The restructuring of payments to Medicare Advantage, along with bonuses given to plans with higher quality ratings, has forced the plans to be more efficient, which lowers costs for Medicare recipients, while improving quality of care, which probably explains why currently more than a third of Medicare recipients opt for Medicare Advantage vs. original Medicare.