Q: I am approaching 65, when do I need to enroll in Medicare?

Initial Enrollment period

• Generally, you're first eligible to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. This is a 7-Month period.

• Many folks qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you are still working, and are on your own group plan, or the group plan of a family member. Please note, the employee MUST remain working. COBRA may expose you to Late Enrollment Penalties.

• If you plan on working past age 65, you have choices!  Medicare can sometimes be more cost effective and often has better benefits.

Here at LifeStream, we help you determine what options are in your best interest and are most suitable for your unique situation.

Applying for Medicare after 65 and you've been covered by an employer group health plan.

This qualifies you for a "special enrollment period," and there are no penalties if you sign up for or add Part B during this time.

If you or your spouse have health insurance through your job, you can sign up for Medicare:

• any time while working and still covered by the group health plan.
• within 63 days and/or 8 months of the date you or your spouse stop working, even if your group health plan continues for a time.
• within 63 days and/or 8 months of the group health plan ending while you or your spouse continue to work.

To avoid Late Enrollment Periods: 

The Part B grace period is 8 months. 

The Part D grace period is 63 days

Reach out to The Team at LifeStream Insurance Solutions  

to discuss your specific situation 612-990-4949