About Medicare
Here’s what you can expect
Enrolling in Medicare is a stressful, challenging decision and we’re here to guide you. It can be quite overwhelming to navigate the rules and regulations, especially given the amount of complex online information.
Failure to enroll at the appropriate time will incur significant lifetime penalties if you don’t catch them as you initially enrolled in Medicare.
At TPT Financial we frequently hear from our clients that they appreciate our expertise in simplifying information and our willingness to treat everyone as family in guiding them through the enrollment process.
Step 1
Determine Eligibility:
Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. Most people become eligible for Original Medicare at age 65, but there are certain exceptions for those with disabilities or specific medical conditions, such as renal failure.
Step 2
Apply for Original Medicare:
You may be automatically enrolled. Otherwise, you can apply online through the official Medicare website (Medicare.gov). Alternatively, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to apply
Step 3
Explore Your Options:
- Original Medicare (Part A and Part B): Provides hospital expenses and medical insurance with a deductible and 80% coverage.
- Supplemental Insurance (Medigap): Helps cover out-of-pocket expenses associated with Original Medicare after you pay for Part B premium.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): Combines Parts A and B into one plan and often includes additional benefits (i.e., dental, vision, hearing).
- Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D): Provides coverage for prescription medications as stand-alone coverage or added to Medigap coverage.
Step 4
Choosing Your Plan:
If you’re considering a Medigap, Medicare Advantage, or Prescription Drug Plan, research and compare the available plans in your area. You can do this on the Medicare website or with the help of one of our TPT Financial insurance agents. Please check by zip code where you live today.
Step 5
Hire an Agent:
If you have questions about your current and future needs and need help understanding what’s best for you, working with one of our TPT Financial insurance agents can be of great value doing proper research.
Step 6
Receive Confirmation:
After you’ve enrolled, you’ll receive confirmation documents and your Medicare card by mail. Please plan on getting enrolled two months in advance of your 65th birthday or date of employment separation. Rember to keep copies of all your Medicare-related documents, including your plan details, enrollment confirmation, and any correspondence.
When should I enroll?
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is the 7-month period around your 65th birthday. It begins three months before your birth month and ends three months after. Remember it may take two months to get your Medicare card from the government.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is October 15th to December 7th and this is the easiest time to make any changes to Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP) If you miss your IEP, you can enroll during the OEP, which is from January 1 to March 31 each year, with coverage starting the month after you sign up.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): You may qualify for an SEP if you have specific life events, such as retiring or losing employer coverage, move, or become eligible for Medicaid in your state.
It’s essential to make informed decisions about your Medicare coverage.
This choice can have a significant impact on your healthcare expenses and services. You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to help simplify and make this process easy and stress free!