Open Enrollment is For Everyone - Even Medicare

If you are already receiving Social Security, you may not have to sign up for Parts A & B.

The Medicare site has this scenario.

“I’ll be getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at least 4 months before I turn 65. Do I need to sign up? No. In most cases, you'll automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65.” Medicare.gov

You'll still need to pay attention to Open Enrollment for Part D and Medicare Advantage.

What is Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is the period during October 15 through December 7 each year where people can choose their health insurance. Medicare also adheres to Open Enrollment periods with few exceptions. Make sure to explore your options if you are turning 65 before that period.

Up-to-date information on Open Enrollment is always available at healthcare.gov. Mark this on your calendar. You don’t want to miss this time period like you want to miss your crazy aunt's fifth wedding. Just sayin’.

When is Open Enrollment for Medicare?

Regular open enrollment for Prescription Plans is from October 15–December 7. This is for plans that will be in effect January 1 of the following year.

This means that if you are within six months of turning 65, you can choose and enroll in your Prescription Plan (Part D) or Medicare Advantage (Part C) October 15, 2020. It will not take effect until January 1, 2021.

Just to make things confusing, Medicare has a separate enrollment period for Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is from January 1 - March 31.

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