How To Sign Up For Medicare
Get Started With Medicare
If you are turning 65 soon, it is time to think about applying for Original Medicare‡. Here are three ways to apply:
If you’re receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits four months prior to your 65th birthday, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare‡ Part A and Part B.
Once you’ve signed up for Original Medicare,‡ you can explore options like Medicare Advantage and prescription drug (Part D) plans that can give you additional benefits and cover costs that Original Medicare‡ doesn’t.
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When Are You Eligible To Sign Up For Original Medicare‡?
The best time to apply is during your Initial Enrollment Period. That’s the three months before the month you turn 65 through the three months after. This will help you avoid fees or delays in coverage. If you have questions or are wondering about signing up for Medicare while still working, we can help you find the best time to sign up. You can also find out more about Medicare eligibility here.
When Is The Best Time To Sign Up For A Medicare Advantage Or A Prescription Drug Plan?
Unless you have better healthcare or drug coverage from another source, the best time to buy a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Prescription Drug (Part D) plan is right after you become eligible for Original Medicare.‡ This could be during your Initial Enrollment Period when you turn 65, when you are eligible because of disability, or another reason or if you have a qualifying disease.
If you don’t sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period you will have to wait until the October 15 to December 7 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).2 You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)1 that allows you to sign up at other times during the year. You may be subject to Part D late enrollment penalties if you don’t enroll in a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D when you’re first eligible.
Even if you’re in good health and don’t use prescription drugs now, purchasing a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan for the future is a good idea. Your health and medication needs can change quickly and adding coverage over Original Medicare‡ can protect you from paying unexpected costs.
How And When Can You Switch Medicare Plans?
You can switch or change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plans during the October 15 to December 7 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).1
You can also change from a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to a Medicare Advantage plan during this period. If you’re not happy with the Medicare Advantage plan you selected during AEP, you can change your choice just once during the January 1 to March 31 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Outside of the AEP, if you have certain life events such as moving or your plan changes, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).2
You can switch between Medicare Supplement plans at any time. However, if you are outside your six-month initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period you may lose your guaranteed issue rights.3 You might be denied coverage or pay higher premiums based on pre-existing or current health conditions.
Note: Empire does not sell Medicare Supplement plans in New York.
How Do You Sign Up For A Medicare Advantage Or Prescription Drug (Part D) Plan?
You can sign up for a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug (Part D) plan with us.
Our secure online store lets you shop for plans. You enter information from your red, white, and blue Medicare ID card, add any prescriptions, add your preferred doctors and facilities, and answer a few questions. We’ll show you plans that are a match for you. You can also find answers to your questions, receive a quote, and apply online.
Need Help Or Ready To Shop?
Enter your Zip code below to find plans available in your area.
Read Our Other Medicare Articles
What Is Medicare?
How To Apply For Medicare
Medicare Advantage Vs Original Medicare
How to Enroll in Medicare Part D
About Medicare Enrollment
Medicare Eligibility
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Medicare Advantage Enrollment
Compare Part D Plans
Turning 65
Why Choose Empire?
‡Original Medicare: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
1A set time each fall when members can change their Medicare health or drug plans or switch to Original Medicare.‡ The Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15 until December 7.
2You may qualify for an SEP for certain life events. Some of the more common reasons include moving, losing coverage from your union or employer, recently qualifying for an Extra Help program or a change in your qualification for Medicaid.
3Guaranteed issue rights are rights you have in certain situations when insurance companies must sell you one of the required Medicare Supplement insurance policies at the best price for your age, without a waiting period [or health screening]. In these situations, the policy must cover all your pre-existing health conditions and you can’t be charged more for a policy regardless of past or present health problems. Guaranteed Issue (GI) Right Situations vary by state, see the GI Guidelines that are part of the Medicare Supplement application for more information.
Empire BlueCross BlueShield is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Empire BlueCross BlueShield is a SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Empire BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal.