top of page

Understanding Medicare

Who Is Eligible For Medicare?

  • Age 65 and older

  • People with End-Stage Renal Disease(have permanent kidney failure and require kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant)

  • People with ALS(Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or more commonly called, Lou Gehrig's Disease)

  • People who have been on Social Security Disability for at least 24 months

Couple at Gallery

When Are Election Periods?

When can I enroll in Medicare or switch my Medicare Plan?

Initial Enrollment Period(IEP)

This is a very important time when eligible individuals can enroll in Original Medicare Part A, which is hospital insurance. This is also the time individuals can enroll in Medicare Part B, which is medical insurance for those eligible individuals. If you already have medical insurance you can delay enrolling in Medicare Part B. You are also able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan(initial enrollment is formally called ICEP), which is Part C(MA/MAPD) or enroll in a prescription drug plan, which is Part D(PD). MA/MAPD/PD plans are offered by private insurance companies. The Initial Enrollment Period or IEP spans seven months(three months before your 65th birthday month until three months after your birthday month). Example: If your birthday is in May you could enroll from the beginning of February until the end of August. 

Annual Enrollment Period(AEP)

This is the period between October 15th-December 7th, where eligible individuals can change their current Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) or Prescription Drug Plan(Part D). Medicare Advantage Plans are also referred to as MA plans and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are also referred to as an MAPD. These plans are administered by private health insurance companies.

Special Enrollment Period(SEP)

This is a period that that would depend on individual circumstances. If you move outside of your current plan's service area you will be able to switch to Original Medicare or change your Medicare Advantage Plan. There are many scenarios involving changing your residence. Please call Mary's Insurance Team if you have a question about moving. Another reason for using a Special Enrollment Period would be that you lose your current coverage. You may no longer be eligible for Medicaid. Again, there are several reasons you may lose your current coverage. Don't hesitate to call us. Other reasons include changes in your coverage, chances to get get more coverage, you can dual enroll(you have Medicare and Medicaid), you have a severe medical condition or disabling condition which allows you to enroll in an SNP(Special Needs Plan). Please reach out with any questions as there are many additional reasons you may qualify for an SEP.

Open Enrollment Period(OEP)

This occurs from January 1st until March 31st. OEP is when you are  are able to take a look at your plan and make the changes necessary for your needs. You may want to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or you simply may want to drop the Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare. 

PART A

  • Inpatient Hospital Care

  • Skilled Nursing Facility Care

  • Hospice Care

  • Home Healthcare

  • Nursing Home(not custodial or long-term care 

PART C

  • Benefits Not Available With Original Medicare

  • Routine Dental Care

  • Vision Care(glasses & contacts)

  • Wellness Programs & Fitness Center Memberships

PART B

  • Doctor's Services & Tests

  • Outpatient Care

  • Home Health Services

  • Durable Medical Equipment

  • Other Medical Services

  • Some Preventive Services 

PART D

  • Covers A Wide Range Prescription Drugs

  • Includes Drugs In Protected Classes(Cancer Drugs & Drugs To Treat HIV/AIDS)

  • Does Not Cover Cosmetic Drugs or Hair Growth

Medicare Supplement Plans

  • Coverage in Addition to Original Medicare

  • Private Insurance Companies

  • Plans A through N are Standardized Plans

  • Able to Choose any Doctor or Hospital

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 15 organizations which offer 257 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. 

bottom of page