Congratulations on reaching the age of eligibility for Medicare! As you embark on this new chapter of your life, it’s essential to understand how this federal health insurance program works and how it can benefit you. Medicare provides coverage for millions of Americans aged 65 and older, as well as certain individuals with disabilities. This short article aims to provide an overview of Medicare and help you navigate through its various parts.

Being new to medicare can seem like this big looming monster. In short, Medicare is a federal health insurance program established in 1965 by the U.S. government. It primarily serves people aged 65 and older, but it also covers younger individuals with specific disabilities or those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). You become eligible to enroll in Medicare 3 months prior to your birth month. In some cases Medicare coverage may be better than employer group coverage (if you are still working). If you do not enroll in Medicare Parts A & B, and are not receiving “Credible Coverage” then you may be subject to late enrollment penalties when you do enroll later on.

You become eligible when you turn 65, and enrollment usually begins three months before your 65th birthday and continues for seven months. You would be considered “new to medicare” during your first eligible enrollment. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B. Otherwise, you’ll need to sign up through the Social Security Administration. Or, it can be done here https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up

To sign up in person, locate the nearest Social Security office near you -> https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp