Apply for Medicare
Applying for Medicare is the first step towards years of low-cost, reliable coverage. When you’re ready, Shepherd Health and Wellness Benefits can help you get started.
Apply When You’re Eligible
Before you can start your Medicare application process, you need to know when or if you’re eligible.
If you’re under age 65, you are eligible if you are disabled, have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or have Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). You must have received at least 24 months of Social Security disability payments to enroll if you’re disabled.
If you have ESRD or ALS and it is confirmed by a Medicare-approved healthcare provider, you can enroll at any time.
The most common way to be eligible and apply for Medicare is by age — during the 7 months surrounding your 65th birthday, you are in what is called your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). During this time, you can enroll in any Medicare plan of your choice.
Apply Later
If you turn 65 but aren’t ready to apply for Medicare, you have 3 options. You don’t have to apply at all. As long as you have some form of health insurance, you do not have to have Medicare, though it is smart and highly recommended to do so.
Second, you can wait until you are ready and enroll for the first time during the General Enrollment Period (GEP), which takes place annually from January 1st through March 31st. However, keep in mind that, the longer you wait to enroll, the more late enrollment penalties will be added to your monthly premiums when you do sign up. It is, then, best not to wait if possible.
Apply When You’re Retired
Third and finally, there is an exception to this penalty if you are still working at age 65. If you haven’t retired, or you’re still covered by your employer’s insurance, you can wait to enroll until that coverage ends. Once it does, you will have about 6 months to enroll in Medicare called a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Apply When You Need Something Different
Once you have enrolled in Original Medicare, you can make changes to your coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15th through December 7th.
If you just have Original Medicare, you can apply for a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Or, you can unenroll in either of those plans as well.
Have Medicare Questions?
We’re Here to Help!
If you’re interested in learning more about Medicare, we can provide you with the answers you’re looking for. To learn more about how we can help you, call Shepherd Health and Wellness Benefits today.
The purpose of this website is to provide general information on Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Part D, and other health insurance related information. At Shepherd Health and Wellness Benefits, we believe that everyone should have access to the information needed to make an informed, confident decision about their healthcare. Calling the number on this site will connect you to a licensed insurance agent.
Shepherd Health and Wellness Benefits has researched government websites and publications in an effort to provide you with information. We believe the sources we use to provide information to be reliable. However, we do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information. All materials on this site are for informational purposes only. The contents of this website are subject to change without notice. If you would like to find more information about the Government Medicare program, please visit the Official U.S. Government website for Medicare, located at medicare.gov.
Shepherd Health and Wellness Benefits is not connected with, affiliated with, or endorsed by the United States government, the Federal Medicare program, or a state agency. Medicare has not reviewed nor endorsed this information. Products sold by our team are backed by the insurance company’s guaranteed association and underwriting powers.
We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. 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.