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What is Medicare?
A clear, friendly guide to signing up — and to the deadlines that matter. When in doubt, one call to us explains it all.
The four parts of Medicare
Medicare is divided into parts. Here’s what each one covers, in plain terms.
Part A — Hospital
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice and some home health care. Usually premium-free if you worked 10+ years.
Part B — Medical
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and medical equipment. Requires a monthly premium.
Part C — Advantage
An all-in-one alternative offered by private insurers that bundles Parts A & B, often with drug, dental and vision.
Part D — Drugs
Prescription drug coverage offered through private plans to help lower your medication costs.
Signing up for Medicare
In most cases, you have several ways to sign up for Original Medicare benefits:
- Apply on the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
- If you worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772
- Complete an Application for Enrollment in Part B (CMS-40B) if you’ve had an Employer Group Plan since the month of your 65th birthday
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
You can sign up for Medicare during your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period. It begins three months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and continues for three more months.
If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, the Social Security Administration will let you know if you’ve been automatically enrolled in Original Medicare.
Original Medicare: Part A and Part B
If you’re 65 or older and a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., you’re likely eligible for premium-free Part A (hospital insurance) — assuming you paid Medicare taxes for about 10 years while working.
Part B (medical insurance) requires a monthly premium, so you have the option to decline it. But be careful: if you decide later that you want Part B, you may have to pay a penalty for as long as you have it.
The Medicare General Enrollment Period runs annually from January 1 to March 31, allowing individuals who missed their Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following your enrollment during this period.
When should you join a Medicare Advantage or Drug Plan?
The best time to join is when you first get Medicare. Signing up when you’re first eligible helps you avoid a lifetime Part D late-enrollment penalty.
If you miss that window, you can generally join, drop or switch plans during Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment Period, October 15 – December 7.
Disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Still have questions? That’s normal.
Call us and we’ll explain your options in plain language — no cost, no pressure.