Q. When should I apply for Medicare Part A?
A. You probably know the Medicare eligibility - it begins when you turn 65 or have a qualifying disability.
But do you know when you should begin the Medicare application process?
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This question becomes important if you may apply for Part A and B at different times.
For most people, you should think of a 7-month enrollment period for Part A: it includes the three months prior to your 65th birthday, as well as the birthday month and the three months after.
There is an exception: if you are already receiving Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled.
What If You Missed the Initial Enrollment Period
Note that if you miss your initial enrollment period, you application may have to wait until the general enrollment period, which occurs each year between January 1 and March 31. That delay could cause a gap in coverage, since you will have to wait until July 1 for coverage to start.
Next blog post will discuss the 2nd most common Medicare question.
A. You probably know the Medicare eligibility - it begins when you turn 65 or have a qualifying disability.
But do you know when you should begin the Medicare application process?
\
This question becomes important if you may apply for Part A and B at different times.
For most people, you should think of a 7-month enrollment period for Part A: it includes the three months prior to your 65th birthday, as well as the birthday month and the three months after.
There is an exception: if you are already receiving Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled.
What If You Missed the Initial Enrollment Period
Note that if you miss your initial enrollment period, you application may have to wait until the general enrollment period, which occurs each year between January 1 and March 31. That delay could cause a gap in coverage, since you will have to wait until July 1 for coverage to start.
Next blog post will discuss the 2nd most common Medicare question.
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