What is Medicare?
While "What is Medicare?" may seem like a basic question, it’s actually very common. Here’s what Medicare is, at its core:
Medicare is a federally funded and operated health insurance program originally designed for people who are 65 or older. Throughout the years, Medicare has expanded to include disabled people under 65 and those with special circumstances. The program is divided into four parts: A, B, C and D.
While "What is Medicare?" may seem like a basic question, it’s actually very common. Here’s what Medicare is, at its core:
Medicare is a federally funded and operated health insurance program originally designed for people who are 65 or older. Throughout the years, Medicare has expanded to include disabled people under 65 and those with special circumstances. The program is divided into four parts: A, B, C and D.
Am I eligible for Medicare?
You’re eligible for Medicare if you meet the following requirements:
You’re eligible for Medicare if you meet the following requirements:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal resident
- Both U.S. citizens and qualified legal residents have to be one of the following:
- Age 65 or older
- Younger than 65 with a qualifying disability
- Any age with a diagnosis of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
Am I automatically enrolled in Medicare?
Enrollment in Original Medicare (which includes Medicare Part A and Part B) may or may not be automatic — it depends on your situation.
You’re automatically enrolled if you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits or become eligible early due to disability. Otherwise, you’ll need to enroll yourself during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).
You can enroll in Part A, Part B, or both. You don’t have to enroll in Part B right away, because you’ll be charged a premium. Just remember that if you choose to wait to enroll in Part B, you may be charged a late enrollment penalty, and Part B coverage will cost you more.
You can enroll in Original Medicare online at Medicare Benefits | SSA or by calling or visiting your local Social Security office.
You have to have both Part A and Part B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a Medicare Supplement plan. For a Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plan, you only need Part A or Part B.
Enrollment in Original Medicare (which includes Medicare Part A and Part B) may or may not be automatic — it depends on your situation.
You’re automatically enrolled if you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits or become eligible early due to disability. Otherwise, you’ll need to enroll yourself during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).
You can enroll in Part A, Part B, or both. You don’t have to enroll in Part B right away, because you’ll be charged a premium. Just remember that if you choose to wait to enroll in Part B, you may be charged a late enrollment penalty, and Part B coverage will cost you more.
You can enroll in Original Medicare online at Medicare Benefits | SSA or by calling or visiting your local Social Security office.
You have to have both Part A and Part B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a Medicare Supplement plan. For a Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plan, you only need Part A or Part B.
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What is the IEP Initial Election Period?
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) refers to the first time an eligible person can enroll in the federal Medicare program. It’s a period that starts three months before the month of your 65th birthday, continues through your birth month, and lasts for three months after it. Signing up for Medicare during your IEP is one way for you to avoid any late-enrollment penalties. |
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What is the GEP General Election Period?
Medicare’s general enrollment period (GEP) is an annual opportunity for certain eligible individuals to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B. When is Medicare's general open enrollment period? The general open enrollment period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year.
Medicare’s general enrollment period (GEP) is an annual opportunity for certain eligible individuals to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B. When is Medicare's general open enrollment period? The general open enrollment period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year.
What is a SEP Special Election Period?
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is an enrollment period that takes place outside of the annual Medicare enrollment periods, such as the annual Open Enrollment Period. They are granted to people who were prevented from enrolling in Medicare during the regular enrollment period for a number of specific reasons. https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/when-can-i-join-a-health-or-drug-plan/special-circumstances-special-enrollment-periods
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is an enrollment period that takes place outside of the annual Medicare enrollment periods, such as the annual Open Enrollment Period. They are granted to people who were prevented from enrolling in Medicare during the regular enrollment period for a number of specific reasons. https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/when-can-i-join-a-health-or-drug-plan/special-circumstances-special-enrollment-periods