I’m Turning 65 Soon – How Does Medicare’s Fall Enrollment Affect Me?
“A friend introduced me to your Medicare column because I’m stressed about what I need to do to enroll in Medicare. I’ve started working part-time and am no longer eligible for company benefits. I’m turning 65 on November 11 and need my Medicare to begin that month. I will not be receiving a Social Security check until I am at least 67. How does Medicare’s fall enrollment time affect me, since I will be applying during that period? Please explain what I should do to enroll in Medicare properly and avoid any mistakes with Medicare’s rules.” – Jenny
Jenny, don’t worry about the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which starts on October 15, because you’ll be in your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This is a special time for those turning 65 to enroll. During your IEP, you can choose the Medicare plan that best fits your medical and financial situation. Options include Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement and a standalone Medicare Part D plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan with Part D.
Next year, during the AEP in 2025, you can change your Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part D if you want to, but this year’s AEP is not for you.
Medicare’s IEP is a 7-month window, starting 3 months before the month you turn 65, including the month you turn 65, and extending 3 months after. If you’re covered by Medicare Parts A and B by the end of your IEP, you won’t have to worry about penalties. If you delay enrollment past the final 3-month period, you might face Part B and D penalties.
Here’s how the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) timeline works:
- If you enroll 3 months before you turn 65, your Medicare starts the first day of the month you turn 65. Since you turn 65 on November 11, you can enroll in August, September, or October for a November 1 effective date.
- If you enroll in the month you turn 65, your Medicare will begin on the first of the next month. If you enroll in November, your Medicare will start on December 1.
- If you enroll 1 month after turning 65, your Medicare will start the first of the next month. So, if you enroll in December, it starts January 1.
- If you enroll 2 months after turning 65, your Medicare will start the next month. Enrolling in January means it begins on February 1.
- If you enroll 3 months after turning 65, your Medicare will begin the following month. Enrolling in February means it starts March 1.
Since you’re not receiving your Social Security check, you need to create a My Social Security Account through the Social Security website. Social Security handles Medicare enrollment.
Enroll in September or October for your Medicare Parts A and B to be effective November 1. Once you enroll on the www.ssa.gov website, you can view your Benefit Verification Letter and access your Medicare Part A and B dates with your new Medicare number. Then, choose a Medicare health and prescription drug plan that suits your needs, whether it’s a Medicare Supplement with a standalone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage HMO/PPO plan with prescription drugs.
Toni’s Confused About Medicare AEP Zoom Workshop is LIVE on Wednesday, October 23, at 4:00 PM CST. To register, visit www.tonisays.com or call 832-519-8664 for more information.
❓❓Have More Questions? I’m Here to Help!❓❓
If you or anyone else has more questions, you’re welcome to call my Medicare Hotline at 832-519-8664. You can also visit my website, ToniSays.com, or email me at [email protected]. I’ve even written a book, The Medicare Survival Guide Advanced Edition, which breaks down everything you need to know about Medicare in plain English.
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Originally published November 05, 2024
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