For most individuals we work with, their Medicare Open Enrollment Period begins when their Part B of Medicare starts, which in most cases is the first day of the month in which they have their 65th birthday. For others, if they have stayed on a group health plan when they turned 65 and delayed the start of their Part B of Medicare, their open enrollment will start somewhere soon after their group health coverage ends.
The Medicare open enrollment lasts for six months. During your open enrollment, you have the ability to choose any Medicare supplement plan with any insurance company without having to answer any health questions. If you are healthy, this may not be a big consideration, but in any case it is a convenience that you should be aware of.
If you did get Part B of Medicare at age 65, but also stayed on a group health plan, you may have some guaranteed issue rights to get a Medicare supplement policy once you leave your group coverage. The guaranteed issue right rules vary from state to state.
Turning Age 65 Soon
For the majority of our customers, age 65 is when most of them will begin their Medicare coverage and then also when they will likely need a Medicare supplement plan. There are most likely a number of other important and sometimes confusing decisions that need to be made during this time. If you will be turning age 65 in the next year or less, we can help you navigate through all of these challenges.
Starting Medicare Part B After Age 65
We also see many of our customers who continue to work when they reach age 65 and therefore continue to have their main health coverage through a group plan provided by their employer. This usually allows them to delay the cost of beginning Part B of Medicare. Another reason why an individual may wait to get Part B of Medicare is that they have a spouse who is not yet age 65. Staying on their work related group health insurance plan allows their dependent to continue to have an option for health insurance coverage.
Once an individual or both members of a household have stopped working and or have turned age 65, the option that will provide the best health insurance protection at the best value may be to leave the group coverage and get Part B of Medicare. This will cause original Medicare Parts A and B to be the main health coverage. The next decision would be to decide if enrolling in a Medicare supplement plan as secondary coverage to Medicare would be a good idea. We can assist you in navigating all of the steps in this process.
We are an independent agency that specializes in working with the senior market. We can help you in navigating all of the steps in the process in getting ready for all things Medicare. Our services are always free to you.
If you have any questions about this subject or would like to speak to us about any of your Medicare needs in regards to Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans, I would certainly be very happy to speak with you.
I am an independent agent specializing in the senior market. I would be very happy to look at your current coverage and compare it to the marketplace to make sure that you are still getting a good value. My services to you will always be FREE.
Billy Williams
800-499-1942
MedicareHealthInsuranceOptions.com
