Medicare basics

New to Medicare | Working past 65 | Recently moved | Dual eligible | Staying healthy

Getting started with Medicare

We accept Original Medicare and most Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans. See a list of Medicare Advantage plans accepted in 2022.

There are several Medicare-related time periods for you to know about:

• Turning age 65: This is your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period. It begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after you turn age 65. (You may also be eligible for Medicare even if you plan to work past age 65.)
• Disability: If you have a certain ongoing disability, you may be able to enroll in Medicare before turning age 65.
• Special qualifying events: After you enroll, some life events, such as moving to a new state or losing coverage, can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
• Medicare has an Annual Election Period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. This is when you can review your plan and make changes if needed.
• Medicare Advantage also has an Open Enrollment Period from Jan. 1 to March 31. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan during this time. 

Choosing the right Medicare plan

Staying healthy is important, now more than ever. Find out how choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan gives you better health care at lower costs. 

We can put you in touch with an independent licensed insurance agent who specializes in Medicare. The agent can answer your questions and help you enroll in the plan that’s best for you. Call 1-866-415-7402, TTY 711, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.