Initial Enrollment Period
Your first Medicare enrollment opportunity is generally the seven-month period surrounding your 65th birthday.
MEDICARE ENROLLMENT HELP
Medicare Enrollment Help in Oklahoma
Understanding when to enroll in Medicare can help you avoid coverage gaps and possible late-enrollment penalties. Great Nation Insurance helps Oklahoma Medicare beneficiaries understand enrollment timing and the Medicare coverage options we offer.
When Can I First Enroll in Medicare?
For most people who become eligible for Medicare at age 65, the Initial Enrollment Period lasts seven months. It begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month. Special timing applies when your birthday is on the first day of a month.
When your Medicare coverage begins depends on when you enroll. Enrolling before your birthday month generally allows coverage to begin the month you turn 65. If you enroll during your birthday month or during the following three months, coverage generally begins the next month.
Three Important Medicare Enrollment Periods
Special Enrollment Period
Certain circumstances can allow you to enroll outside your Initial Enrollment Period. One common example involves qualifying group health coverage based on current employment.
General Enrollment Period
If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, Medicare's General Enrollment Period runs January 1 through March 31 each year. Coverage generally starts the month after you enroll.
Plan Enrollment Periods
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans have their own enrollment and change periods. Eligibility and timing depend on your Medicare status and circumstances.
What If I'm Still Working at 65?
If you have qualifying group health coverage based on your or your spouse's current employment, you may be able to delay Part B and use a Special Enrollment Period later. The employer-coverage Part B Special Enrollment Period generally ends eight months after the employment or group health coverage ends, whichever happens first.
Employer size, COBRA, retiree coverage and HSA contributions can affect your decisions, so confirm your specific situation before delaying Medicare.
What Happens After I Enroll in Part A and Part B?
Once your Part A and Part B timing is established, you can decide how you want to receive or supplement your Medicare coverage. Depending on your eligibility and situation, choices may include Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement policy and separate Part D drug coverage, or a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medigap works with Original Medicare and can help pay certain Medicare cost-sharing amounts. Plans are standardized, but premiums can vary by insurer.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage is another way to receive your Part A and Part B benefits through a private Medicare-approved plan. Networks, costs and benefits vary by plan.
Could I Pay a Late Enrollment Penalty?
Late-enrollment penalties can apply in some situations when you delay Medicare without qualifying coverage or another exception. For Part B, Medicare says the penalty is generally an additional 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but did not enroll, unless an exception applies. The penalty may continue for as long as you have Part B.
Because enrollment situations vary, verify your eligibility and deadlines with Medicare or Social Security before relying on a delay.
Who Handles Medicare Enrollment?
Social Security handles enrollment in Medicare Part A and Part B for most people. Great Nation Insurance does not determine Medicare eligibility or enroll you in Part A or Part B. We can help explain the Medicare insurance options we offer after you understand your Medicare enrollment status and timing.
Common Medicare Enrollment Questions
How early should I start preparing for Medicare?
It is useful to begin reviewing your situation several months before age 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period generally begins three months before your birthday month.
Do I automatically get Medicare at 65?
Some people are enrolled automatically based on their Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefit status, while others need to sign up. Check your individual status with Social Security.
What if I missed my Initial Enrollment Period?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period depending on your circumstances. If not, the General Enrollment Period runs January 1 through March 31 each year, and late-enrollment penalties may apply.
Can Great Nation Insurance enroll me in Medicare Part A or Part B?
No. Social Security handles Part A and Part B enrollment for most people. Great Nation Insurance can help you understand and compare the Medicare insurance plans we offer.
Does Great Nation Insurance help people outside Tulsa?
Yes. Great Nation Insurance provides Medicare assistance to people in Oklahoma and can also assist in other states where licensed, subject to plan availability and licensing.
Request Your Medicare Enrollment & Coverage Review
Tell us how to reach you. Great Nation Insurance can contact you to discuss your Medicare questions and the coverage options we offer.
OR CALL (918) 895-2000
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Great Nation Insurance is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.