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How to Sign Up for Original Medicare

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Original Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, people with certain disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It has two parts:

  • Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
  • Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

To sign up for Original Medicare, you can:

  • Apply online at the Social Security website.
  • Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
  • Visit your local Social Security office.

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Part A. You will need to sign up for Part B separately.

When to sign up for Original Medicare

You can sign up for Original Medicare during the following times:

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is a seven-month period that starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month of your birthday, and ends three months after your birthday.
  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): This is a four-month period that runs from January 15 to March 31 each year.
  • Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you have a qualifying event, such as a change in income, a move, or a loss of other health insurance, you may be able to sign up for Medicare during a Special Enrollment Period.

Cost of Original Medicare

Part A is premium-free if you or your spouse has worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years). If you don’t have enough work credits, you will have to pay a monthly premium.

Part B has a monthly premium of $174.20 in 2023. You may also have to pay a yearly deductible of $235.

Medicare Supplement Insurance

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, can help you pay for some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. There are 10 different Medigap plans available, each with its own set of benefits.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans are private health insurance plans that offer all of the benefits of Original Medicare, plus additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage. There are many different Medicare Advantage Plans available, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget.

Choosing the Right Medicare Plan

There are many factors to consider when choosing a Medicare plan. You will need to think about your health needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. You may also want to talk to a Medicare specialist to get help choosing the right plan for you.

More information

For more information about Original Medicare, please visit the Social Security website or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

Medicare Supplements: What You Need to Know

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Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are private health insurance plans that are designed to supplement Original Medicare. They can help pay for some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

There are 10 different Medigap plans, each with its own set of benefits. The plans are lettered A through N, with Plan A being the most basic plan and Plan N being the most comprehensive plan.

Medigap plans are available to anyone who has Original Medicare, regardless of income or health status. You can enroll in a Medigap plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, which is the 7-month period that starts 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after you turn 65. If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you may be able to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period if you have certain life events, such as moving to a new area, losing your job, or getting married.

It is important to compare Medigap plans carefully before you enroll. You can compare plans on the Medicare website or by talking to a Medicare counselor.

Here are some things to consider when comparing Medigap plans:

  • Cost: Medigap plans have monthly premiums, which vary by plan and by your age. You may also have to pay copayments or coinsurance for covered services.
  • Benefits: Medigap plans have different coverage levels. Some plans have broader coverage than others.
  • Prescription drug coverage: Some Medigap plans include prescription drug coverage. If you take prescription drugs, you will need to make sure that the plan you choose includes the drugs you need.
  • In-network vs. out-of-network: Medigap plans have networks of doctors and hospitals that you can use. If you see a doctor or hospital outside of your plan’s network, you may have to pay more for your care.
  • Customer service: You’ll need to decide how important customer service is to you. Some Medigap plans have better customer service than others.

Once you have compared plans and chosen a plan, you will need to enroll in the plan. You can enroll in a Medigap plan online, by phone, or by mail.

If you’re not sure which Medigap plan is right for you, you can talk to a Medicare counselor. Medicare counselors can help you compare plans and choose a plan that meets your needs.

Medigap plans are a good option for many people with Medicare. Medigap plans can help you pay for some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. If you’re considering a Medigap plan, be sure to compare plans carefully and choose a plan that meets your needs.

Here are some of the benefits of Medigap plans:

  • Help with copayments and coinsurance: Medigap plans can help you pay for your copayments and coinsurance for covered services.
  • Help with deductibles: Medigap plans can help you pay for your deductibles for covered services.
  • Help with prescription drugs: Some Medigap plans include prescription drug coverage.
  • No pre-existing conditions: Medigap plans cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of your health history.
  • Guaranteed issue: If you have Original Medicare, you can enroll in a Medigap plan regardless of your health status.

If you’re considering a Medigap plan, be sure to compare plans carefully and choose a plan that meets your needs. You can compare plans on the Medicare website or by talking to a Medicare counselor.