What services does MyMedicareMike.com offer?

We help individuals understand, compare, and enroll in Medicare plans. Our team provides personalized guidance on Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Prescription Drug Plans so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Do you charge for Medicare consultations?

No, our services are completely free to you. As licensed and independent Medicare advisors, we’re compensated by the insurance carriers, not our clients.

What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces your Original Medicare and often includes extras like dental or vision. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works with Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs such as copays and deductibles.

Can you help me review my current Medicare plan?

Absolutely. We provide free annual plan reviews to ensure your coverage still fits your healthcare needs and budget, since plans and costs can change each year.

When can I enroll or make changes to my Medicare plan?

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time you can switch, drop, or enroll in new Medicare plans. Special Enrollment Periods may apply after certain life events.

Do you represent specific insurance companies?

No. We’re an independent agency and work with multiple top-rated carriers to find the plan that best fits your needs.

Can you assist if I’m turning 65 soon and new to Medicare?

Yes. We specialize in helping first-time enrollees understand their options, avoid penalties, and get started with the right coverage before their 65th birthday.

Do you offer in-person or virtual appointments?

We offer both. You can schedule a face-to-face meeting at our New York office or connect virtually from anywhere for the same personalized guidance.

What if I’m on Medicaid or have other health coverage?

We can help you coordinate your Medicare benefits with existing coverage—including Medicaid or employer plans—so you maintain important benefits and avoid gaps.

How can I get started with MyMedicareMike.com?

Call us or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you choose coverage that gives you peace of mind.

If I Decide to Sign Up for Medicare, When and How Do I Do It?

Item: Michael M Insurance Services
Rating: 4.8
Author: admin

Key Takeaways

Can I Sign Up On Line?
I’m Collecting Social Security, Do I Still Have To Sign Up?
How Long Do I Have To Sign Up?
Do I Sign Up For Medicare At The Local Social Security Office?
(Support Blog 2-2 — linked to Pillar: “8 Medicare Decisions That Matter More Than People Realize”)

Medicare Enrollment Is About Timing, Not Just Eligibility

Most people know they become eligible for Medicare at 65. What’s less understood is that Medicare enrollment follows specific windows, and those windows affect when coverage starts — and what options you have later.

The 7-Month Medicare Enrollment Window (For New Medicare Beneficiaries)

If you are new to Medicare, you are given a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period.
This window includes:
● The 3 months before the month you turn 65
● Your birthday month
● The 3 months after your birthday month When you enroll during this window matters.

When Does Medicare Actually Start?

Medicare start dates depend on when you enroll during your 7‑month Initial Enrollment Period.
Here is the general rule:
● If you enroll during any of the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, Medicare starts on the 1st day of your birthday month.
● If you enroll during your birthday month, Medicare typically starts one month later.
● If you enroll after your birthday month, the start date can be delayed by two or three months, depending on how late you enroll.
This timing difference is critical. Enrolling early helps ensure Medicare begins on time. Waiting until or after your birthday month can unintentionally create gaps in coverage.

Automatic Enrollment for People Collecting Social Security

If you are already collecting Social Security benefits before 65:
● You are typically automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
● Your Medicare card is usually mailed to you
This surprises many people who expected to sign up themselves. Even with automatic enrollment, decisions about how Medicare fits with other coverage still matter.

What Happens If You Miss Your Initial Enrollment Window?

If you miss your 7-month window and do not have creditable employer coverage, your options become more limited.
You may have to:
● Wait for a future enrollment period
● Experience delayed coverage
● Face penalties depending on the situation
This is why understanding timing early is so important.

What If I Have Creditable Employer Insurance?

If you are working past 65 and covered by creditable employer insurance, Medicare enrollment works differently.
In many cases:
● You are allowed to delay Medicare
● You do not have to wait for the standard enrollment period
● You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period when employer coverage ends
This allows Medicare to begin without penalty — when handled correctly.

Can I Enroll in Medicare Online?

Yes. Many people enroll in Medicare online through the Social Security Administration website (SSA.gov).
Online enrollment can be convenient, but it does not replace understanding:
● When to enroll
● Which parts to enroll in
● How enrollment affects other coverage
Process matters just as much as convenience.

What If My Prescription Drugs Are Cheaper Through Employer Coverage?

This is a very common situation. In some cases:
● Employer drug coverage may be more cost-effective
● Keeping that coverage may make sense temporarily
However, decisions about drug coverage should be made carefully, because prescription coverage under Medicare follows its own rules. Cost today should be balanced with flexibility and future options.

Q & A: Medicare Enrollment Timing

If I enroll in Medicare early, will it start sooner?

Yes. Enrolling during the three months before your birthday month allows Medicare to start on the first day of your birthday month.

If I’m collecting Social Security, do I still need to sign up for Medicare?

In most cases, no. People already collecting Social Security are typically enrolled automatically in Medicare Parts A and B.

If I delay Medicare because I have employer insurance, do I have to wait for Open Enrollment later?

Usually no. People with creditable employer coverage often qualify for a Special Enrollment Period when that coverage ends.

Can I enroll in Medicare online myself?

Yes. Many people enroll online through the Social Security Administration website at SSA.gov.

A Clear Takeaway

Medicare enrollment is not just about if you enroll — it’s about when and how. Understanding enrollment windows, start dates, and special rules helps ensure Medicare works as intended — without gaps, surprises, or unnecessary penalties. Medicare enrollment isn’t difficult — but it is procedural. When enrollment is handled with the right timing and method, Medicare begins smoothly and predictably. Most problems can be avoided by understanding that when and how you enroll matters just as much as deciding to enroll at all. Next in this series: Which Type of Health Insurance Is Best for Me —
and How Do I Choose?

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Selecting the best Medicare coverage depends on factors like your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. You can choose between:

Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Allows you to see any doctor or
hospital that accepts Medicare but does not include prescription drug
coverage (Part D) or additional benefits.
Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offers bundled coverage with
potential extra benefits but may require using a network of providers.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): Helps cover
out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as
copayments and deductibles.

Key Medicare Enrollment Periods

It is crucial to enroll in Medicare at the right time to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A seven-month window starting
three months before your 65th birthday month.
General Enrollment Period (GEP): From January 1 to March 31
each year for those who missed their IEP.
Annual Election Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7,
allowing you to switch or enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D
plans.
Open Enrollment Period(OEP): From January 1 to March 31 for
those who missed AEP and want to make certain changes.
Special Enrollment Period(SEP): Can be used anytime during the
calendar year for those that meet certain criteria such as moving to a
new service area.

Finding Help with Medicare

Understanding Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Licensed Insurance Brokers, Medicare.gov, and state health assistance programs can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.

By taking the time to explore your Medicare options, you can make informed decisions that ensure you receive the healthcare coverage that best suits your lifestyle and budget.

Do I have to sign up for Medicare?

It depends upon your current coverage. If you are employed and your employer has over 20 employees then you can delay signing up for Medicare and avoid penalties.

Does Medicare cover Prescription Medications?

No, You will have to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) to get coverage.

I want to be able to go to any doctor/hospital, are there networks with Medicare?

There are no networks with Medicare and most doctors and hospitals accept it. However, Medicare does not cover 100% of services so a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans is advisable.

Mike Miligi- Owner

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 seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He 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 is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.

Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.