Many people ask me when they should join Medicare to avoid penalties. People put this off to the last minute, which creates issues and many times leads to penalties.
As I have shared in the past, the rule says:
By the time you turn 65, you either need to be on Medicare or be covered under an acceptable health insurance plan and if you aren’t, you will face penalties.
Therefore, most people will join Medicare when they turn 65.
Joining Medicare usually means you are joining Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
The only people who are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B are people who are drawing Social Security four months before their 65th birthday.
Everyone else needs to complete the paperwork to enroll in Medicare.
Please know that Medicare always starts on the FIRST DAY of the month, and the longer you wait to enroll, the longer it takes to become effective.
PLEASE NOTE: While there is a seven-month window for you to join, I recommend you submit your official Medicare application THREE MONTHS BEFORE you want your Medicare to be effective. This will ensure you avoid penalties or a lapse in coverage.
When you apply for Medicare the month of your 65th birthday or the following months, you will have delays on when your Medicare will be effective.
For this reason, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you submit your application for Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B three months before you want your Medicare to be effective. So for most people, this is three months before your 65th birthday.
There are a few ways to enroll in Medicare, including going to the Social Security office or following an online process.
Medicare is complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. The Medicare Coach is here to help you make the right decision that it is in your best interest.
With Medicare Coach, you’ll get personalized support to guide you through every step of your Medicare decision.
To easily make the right Medicare decision, you can CLICK HERE to sign up for our Medicare Enrollment Concierge.
