7 month window
Your 7-month window begins 3 months before your birthday month and runs to 3 months after your birthday. If you were born in June, it would start in March and run to September. The 3 months before turning 65 is critical because if you want coverage to start on the 1st of your birthday month, there are some things to consider.
Your Medicare Advisor has an extensive checklist on the mymedicaremike.com website, but here is a good outline.
1) Sign up for Medicare. Do it sooner than later. The fastest way is online, ensuring that it will start when you want it to. If you wait, your start date will be delayed.
2) Contact your Doctors. Do they accept Medicare?
3) Think about what you have going on (Medically). Have a procedure? Where are you going to do it? Will it involve rehab etc? Do you take medications?
4) How are you getting coverage now? Can you keep it? How will it interact with Medicare? Some employer coverage is enough, so you don’t need Medicare; you have to sign up for others. Are you in a Union? Do they require you to sign up for Medicare?
5) You don’t have to sign up if you are collecting Social Security. They will sign you up automatically. If not, you have to do it.
6) Most Important– Contact your Medicare Advisor. He will guide you to the best course of action for your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m collecting Social Security, do I have to enroll in Medicare?
No, you will be automatically enrolled.
If I wait until the 7th month to sign up for Medicare when will it start?
It will begin on the First of the following month.
What happens if I miss my 7 month window?
You will have to wait until the general Enrollment window(January 1 to March 31) to enroll and you will receive a penalty.
Mike Miligi- Owner- Michael M Insurance Services
For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD) and Dental and Vision programs.
Mike is Licensed in 7 States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers and has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers and can provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.
