What is the basic information about Medicare?

If you’re approaching age 65, it’s important to know when and how you can enroll in Medicare, as well as the options available to supplement your health coverage. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to know:

📅 Your Initial Medicare Enrollment: When does it start and how long does it last?

When you turn 65, you’ll need to decide between two main paths:

  • Enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B from the federal government)

  • Or choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), offered by a private insurance company

You have a 7-month enrollment window, which includes:

  • The 3 months before the month you turn 65

  • Your birthday month

  • And the 3 months after

🔔 Important: If your birthday falls on the 1st of the month, your enrollment window begins one month earlier (meaning 4 months before turning 65) and ends 2 months after. In this case, your coverage can even start on the first day of the month before your birthday.

💡 What if you’re under 65?
If you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or another chronic condition and are already receiving Social Security benefits, you may qualify for Medicare before turning 65.

🔄 Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period

Each year, from October 15 to December 7, you can make changes to your current coverage.

During this period, you can:

  • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan

  • Go back from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare

  • Change or add a prescription drug plan (Part D)

➕ Want extra coverage? Consider Medigap (Supplemental Insurance)

If you’re already enrolled in Original Medicare and are 65 or older, you can purchase a supplemental Medicare policy known as Medigap. These plans are not part of the federal program — they’re offered by private insurers.

🗓️ You have a special 6-month window to buy any Medigap plan available in your state, regardless of your health history. This period starts on the first day of the month when:

  • You are 65 or older, and

  • You are enrolled in Medicare Part B

While you can apply for a Medigap plan at any time of year, outside of this special window the insurer may review your health, apply restrictions, or even deny your application.