Most people probably don’t give a lot of thought to Medicare unless they are approaching retirement age or they have been found disabled by the Social Security Administration, but those who do fit into those categories should be aware that Medicare open enrollment has begun.
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 and older. Those approaching age 65 can sign-up for Medicare up to three months before turning 65, but older Americans are not the only ones who are eligible for Medicare. The program also is available for people who are younger who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Social Security disability recipients have to go through a waiting period before they are eligible for Medicare. After the waiting period they are automatically enrolled in Medicare unless they opt out. It is no easy task to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. A claimant must prove that they are unable to work at a full-time level due to impairments that will last at least 12 months or longer. Those who are receiving SSDI receive the same type of Medicare benefit as older individuals. There are also other types of Medicare programs that eligible recipients can choose from. Below is a description from Social Security of the open enrollment period that ends March 31, 2022.
From January 1 through March 31, Medicare Advantage enrollees can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another at www.Medicare.gov.
Please encourage your clients to apply for Medicare online if they:
- Are three months away from age 65.
- Want to sign up for Medicare but do not currently have ANY Medicare coverage.
- Do not want to start receiving Social Security benefits at this time.
- Are not currently receiving Social Security retirement, disability, or survivors benefits.
Let your clients know they can learn more about how Social Security and Medicare work together at www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare, where they can also sign up for Medicare.
