How to Sign-Up for Medicare
Navigating the Medicare signup process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Our comprehensive how-to guide breaks down the steps and provides all the essential information you need to make the process smooth and straightforward.
At Twin City Underwriters, we'll help you take the mystery out of Medicare and empower you to get the coverage you deserve.
Steps to Signing Up for Medicare
- Understand When to Sign Up
- Know What Coverage You Need
- Compare and Choose the Right Medicare Plan for You
- Complete the Enrollment Process
- Don't Forget to Review Each Year
Understand When You Can Sign-Up for Medicare
Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare, but others may have to apply for Medicare shortly before they turn 65. You can be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B if you start receiving Social Security Income prior to 65. If you are not eligible to be automatically enrolled, you can apply during the Initial Enrollment Period.
If you are eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the seven-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, or ends three months after the month you turn 65. It’s important to keep in mind that if you wait to sign up until the month you turn 65 (or the three months after you turn 65), your Part B coverage will be delayed to the first day of the following month. You can decide to delay your Medicare if you are working and have creditable coverage through your employer. To determine if this is the right option for you, give us a call to set up a consultation.
Know What Medicare Coverage You Need
There are several parts to Medicare. Medicare Part A is for inpatient hospital coverage and can help pay for hospice care services and inpatient hospital care. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services like lab tests and surgeries.
Medicare Part C provides coverage through private insurance companies instead of through the government. Medicare Part C is commonly referred to as a Medicare Advantage Plan. Finally, Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage, also available through a private insurance company.
If you would like to learn more about the various Medicare Plans, set up an appointment with one of our agents or attend a Twin City Underwriters Workshop.
Select Your Coverage Option
Now that you know a little bit more about Medicare, you can start your decision process. What type of coverage is best for you? You can choose Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans, or maybe staying on your employer coverage is best for you. Meeting with an experienced Medicare broker at Twin City Underwriters can help you compare all your options and decide.
Everything You Need to Know, All in One Guide
Get your copy of our enrollment guide today and take the guesswork out of Medicare planning.
Sign-Up Online
Applying for Medicare can be easy, but it can be difficult to choose the coverage you add to it. You can sign-up for Medicare online at the Social Security website, or you could set up a meeting with one of our agents to walk you through the sign-up process in person.
Once you’ve enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, you can add extra coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medigap policy. Our team can help facilitate the process and answer any questions along the way at no cost to you.
Get Help with Your Medicare Enrollment
Signing up for Medicare may feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can make confident choices about your coverage. Once you’re enrolled, don’t forget to review your plan each year to ensure it still meets your needs; at Twin City Underwriters, we provide guaranteed annual reviews for every client to make that process simple and stress-free.
Contact us today with any questions or to schedule a free, no-obligation exploratory Medicare appointment for personalized enrollment guidance.
This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2019.
Choosing a Medicare plan can be difficult. Twin City Underwriters helps Medicare recipients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Florida find the Medicare plan that meets their unique needs. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our Medicare insurance brokers to get your questions answered!
Do you need help with Medicare, insurance and health plans? Explore your options with Allina Health Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, Medica, UCare, United HealthCare and more. We work with you to find the best plan for your needs and budget. Contact us today to get started.