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Original Medicare Program
Initial Enrollment Period:
If you are over 65 and already collecting Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) and you will receive a Medicare card in the mail.
If you are not yet collecting Social Security benefits, the best time to sign up for Original Medicare is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) . Your IEP is the 3 months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and the 3 months after your birthday month.
General Enrollment Period:
If you do not enroll in Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period, you have another chance each year to sign up during a “general enrollment period” from January 1 through March 31. Your coverage begins on July 1 of the year you enroll.
PRO TIP: Be aware that there are penalties associated with not electing Part B when eligible. This would be a lifetime late enrollment penalty.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP):
This is your time to review and make changes to your insurance plans from year to year. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period starts on October 15th and ends on December 7th each year. Changes made to coverage during this time will take effect on January 1st. At this time you are able to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan or your Prescription Drug plan.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP):
You can qualify for a Special Enrollment Period during any month when certain events happen in your life. Reasons you could qualify include:
• Change in permanent residence.
• Recently moved out of the service area.
• Become eligible for Medicaid or Extra Help.
• Move into an institution, like a skilled nursing facility or long-term care.
• Switch to a 5-star overall quality rated plan
Medicare Enrollment Periods e-Book
Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods is one of the most important ways to keep you from incurring an accidental penalty. This eBook will guide you on through the Enrollment Periods you are entitled to during your tenure on Medicare.
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Phone: 270-904-6070
Email: education@safeguardky.com
1600 Scottsville Rd, Suite 100
Bowling Green, KY 42104
The information presented on this website is for informational or illustrative purposes only. Safeguard Insurance is operated by licensed insurance agents who can help you enroll in an insurance policy. Safeguard Insurance, and any agents or employees, are not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States government, Medicare, or the Social Security Administration. We do not offer every plan available in your area, and any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please get in touch with Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options. When you request to be contacted about Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, or Medicare Supplement plans, you acknowledge that a licensed insurance agent may contact you by phone, email, mail, or in-person to offer additional assistance or to discuss all your Medicare health insurance options.
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