Frequently Asked Questions

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for most seniors going into Medicare is a period of 7 months, as follows: 

•  Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
• Includes the month you turn 65
• Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65

As an example, if your 65th birthday falls in the month of September, your eligibility to enroll in Medicare would begin June 1st and continue until December 31st.  For those who enroll during the 3 months prior to your 65th birthday month, Medicare coverage will begin on the first day of your 65th birthday month. For those who enroll during your 65th birthday month or during the 3 months after your 65th birthday month, your coverage will begin on the first day of the next month after you enroll.

There are special enrollment situations into Medicare for individuals under the age of 65. If you have been permanently disabled for more than 24 months or have been diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or diagnosed with ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, you can also enroll in Medicare. 

If you miss your initial enrollment period into Medicare you will generally have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period (OEP), a period of time that stretches between October 15th - December 7th of each year. 

Also,  If you don’t enroll when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay a Part B late enrollment penalty, and you may have a gap in coverage when you decide that you want Part B later. 

You are generally eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment and if you are 65 years old and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. If you or your spouse did not work for at least 10 years as described above, but otherwise meet all of the qualifications, you can still enroll in Medicare but may be required to pay a premium for Part A coverage. 

There is also a special Medicare eligibility for those under the age of 65 who a)Have been permanently disabled for more that 24 months. b)Have been diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or c) Have been diagnosed with ALS, sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.  

For any questions regarding eligibility you should contact Social Security at  1-800-772-1213 or visit or call your nearest Social Security Office. For other information regarding Medicare you should refer to www.cms.gov  

Medicare does not cover all of your healthcare expenses. There are other coverages designed to fill in the "gaps" of what Medicare does not cover. A Medicare Consultant can guide you safely and cost effectively through decisions regarding what other coverage you may need to ensure that you  are adequately covered. And...since a Medicare Consultant contracts with more than one Insurance company, you can be assured to see the best plans of different companies. Also, if you purchase a Medicare Supplemental policy from one of your consultant's companies, the commission that is normally paid to an inside sales rep, if you buy directly from the company, is now paid to your consultant which remains your consultant for as long as you own the policy. The policy costs you no more if you buy it through your consultant than if you purchased it directly from the insurance company!