Medicare Prep — Quick Guide
1. Enrollment Windows
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7 months — 3 before, birth month, 3 after.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): 8 months after employer coverage ends.
- Late Penalties: Permanent for Part B/D if you miss deadlines without qualifying coverage.
2. Prepare Early — SSA Account
- Create a my Social Security account well before you apply.
- Why early? Online registration often fails due to ID verification issues (camera app, mismatched data).
- If online fails, you must make an in-person SSA appointment for identity verification — appointments can take weeks. Pro Tip: Try to verify at a Post Office.
- For in-person booking, your personal info entry must exactly match SSA records or the booking will fail.
3. Decide When to Enroll
- Working with employer coverage? Compare costs before signing up.
- On Social Security pre-65? Enrollment automatic.
- Not on Social Security? Enroll manually.
4. Medicare Parts
- Part A: Hospital insurance (free if 40 work quarters).
- Part B: Medical insurance (premium).
- Premium is based on your last 2 years of income — high earners may face IRMAA surcharges (IRMAA info).
- Part C: Medicare Advantage — combines A/B, usually D.
- Part D: Prescription coverage.
- Medigap: Fills coverage gaps in Original Medicare.
5. Compare Plans
- Original Medicare: A + B (+ D + optional Medigap).
- Advantage (Part C): Bundled, may include dental/vision.
- Compare at Medicare Plan Finder.
6. Budgeting
- Premiums (B, D, Medigap, or Advantage).
- Deductibles, copays, coinsurance.
- Out-of-pocket max (Advantage only).
- IRMAA surcharge thresholds (see table).
7. Documents to Gather
- SSN & card.
- Birth certificate.
- Proof of citizenship/legal residency.
- Current insurance info.
- Employer proof if delaying with SEP.
8. Timing
- Start research 6–12 months before 65.
- Contact SHIP for free counseling.
- Enroll during correct window to avoid penalties.
Quick Tips
- Part B & D penalties are lifetime.
- Stop HSA contributions 6 months before Medicare starts.
- Review drug plan annually during Open Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7).
- Key links: