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When to Sign Up for Medicare
Most people sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) when they’re first eligible, typically at age 65. It’s important to sign up promptly to avoid gaps in coverage or late enrollment penalties. However, if you’re already covered through an employer group health plan, it might make sense to sign up for Medicare later or delay Part B. If you are age 65 or older and receive Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A. Part A coverage begins up to 6 months before the month you apply if you are over 65. Contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA) after your Medicare coverage begins may result in additional taxes.
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private health insurance company to help pay your share of out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare.
Generally, you must have Original Medicare – Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) – to buy a Medigap policy.
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, are Medicare-approved health plans offered by private companies that cover your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. These plans often include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and may offer extra benefits like vision, hearing, and dental coverage that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
Medicare drug coverage (also known as Medicare Part D) helps pay for the brand-name and generic drugs you need. It’s optional and offered to everyone with Medicare by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Even if you don’t take prescription drugs now, consider getting Medicare drug coverage to avoid paying a late enrollment penalty if you join a plan later.