Dear Toni: I’m stressed about what I need to do to enroll in Medicare. I turn 65 in November and am not receiving my Social Security check since I am still working part time. I only have individual health insurance, not employer benefits. I need my Medicare and Part D plan to begin Nov. 1.
I’m concerned about how Medicare’s fall enrollment period affects me. How can I ensure I enroll in Medicare the right way? — Joshua, Kansas City, Kansas
Dear Joshua: Don’t stress about Medicare’s Oct. 15-Dec. 7 open enrollment period — you will be in your initial enrollment period.
This is Medicare’s special window for those who are just turning 65. During this time, you can pick the Medicare plan that best fits your medical and financial situation, whether it’s original Medicare with a supplement and a stand-alone Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan with Part D included.
When next year’s open enrollment period rolls around, that’s when you can make a change in your Medicare coverage.
Medicare’s initial enrollment period spans seven months: three months before you turn 65, the month of your birthday and three months after you turn 65. Wait beyond this time frame and you will incur Medicare’s Parts B and D penalties when you finally do enroll.
Here’s a timeline for the initial enrollment period:
■ If you enroll any time during the three months before you turn 65, your Medicare coverage will begin the first day of the month in which you turn 65. Joshua, this is when you need to enroll for a Nov. 1 start date.
■ If you enroll the month you turn 65, Medicare coverage will begin on the first day of the next month.
■ If you enroll one, two or three months after turning 65, then your Medicare Part A will begin the month you turn 65 and your Medicare Part B will begin the first day of the month following enrollment.
If you are not receiving a Social Security check, you will need to create a My Social Security Account at ssa.gov and enroll in Medicare using that online account.
Once your enrollment in Medicare is finalized on the Social Security website, you will want to view your benefit verification letter. At that time, you can verify your Medicare Part A and B starting dates with your new Medicare number and enroll in whatever health and prescription drug plans you choose.
Toni King is an author and columnist on Medicare and health insurance issues. If you have a Medicare question, email info@tonisays.com or call 832-519-8664.
