In the United States, Medicare is a federal health insurance program that generally covers those 65 years of age and older, as well as some younger persons with disabilities. It is intended to assist in defraying a range of medical expenses and is managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Open Enrollment Periods

The Open Enrollment for Medicare is
October 15-December 7.

The Open Enrollment for Medicare Advantage is January 1-March 31.

Contact Medicare.Gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to signup and get information on all your options.

Medicare Options:

1. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
   • Covers: Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
   • Cost: Usually no premium if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. There are deductibles and coinsurance for services.
2. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
   • Covers: Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some home health care.
   • Cost: Monthly premium (income-based), annual deductible, and 20% coinsurance for most services.
3. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)
   • Covers: An alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) provided by private insurance companies. Includes all services covered by Parts A and B, often with additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
   • Cost: Varies by plan, often includes a monthly premium in addition to Part B premium, plus copayments and coinsurance.
4. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
   • Covers: Prescription medications.
   • Cost: Monthly premium, annual deductible, copayments, and coinsurance. Costs vary by plan.

Additional Coverage Options

1. Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance)
   • Covers: Helps pay out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare (e.g., deductibles, coinsurance, copayments).
   • Cost: Monthly premium varies by plan and provider.
   • Availability: Only available to those with Original Medicare (not Medicare Advantage).

Enrollment Periods

1. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
   • Timing: Starts three months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month (total of seven months).
   • Action: Sign up for Parts A and/or B during this period to avoid late enrollment penalties.
2. General Enrollment Period (GEP)
   • Timing: January 1 to March 31 each year.
   • Action: Sign up for Parts A and/or B if you missed your IEP. Coverage starts July 1. Late enrollment penalties may apply.
3. Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
   • Timing: Varies based on qualifying events (e.g., losing employer coverage).
   • Action: Sign up for Parts A and/or B without penalty if you qualify.
4. Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
   • Timing: October 15 to December 7 each year.
   • Action: Review and change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Changes take effect January 1.