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When Will My Medicare Coverage Start Once I’m Enrolled?

If you are planning to enroll in Medicare soon, you are probably curious about when your coverage will start once you enroll. Well, the answer varies depending on your specific circumstances. 

For example, when you enroll will play a big part in the timing of your coverage start date. Similarly, the type of plan you choose may dictate your coverage start date. 

To learn when your Medicare coverage will start, continue reading. 

Medicare Enrollment

You can enroll in Medicare after reaching the appropriate age or being diagnosed with a qualifying disability. The process is simple, but for some, it can require a little bit of time. All you need to do to enroll is apply for Medicare benefits, then enroll in Part A and/or Part B coverage through the Social Security Administration. You can join a Part C or D plan through private insurance companies that offer them, but keep in mind you’ll need to be enrolled in both Parts A and B first for Part C, and either or for Part D.

Depending on which plan you choose, you may need to get help with the enrollment process. An insurance agency like T65 Solutions can provide you with the assistance you need to get started.

Enrollment Periods

There are several enrollment periods that you can use to join a Medicare plan. They are as follows:

  • Initial Enrollment
  • General Enrollment
  • Special Enrollment

Each enrollment period has different rules for when your coverage will start. We will discuss these rules in the next section.

When Does Medicare Coverage Start?

Here is when your coverage will start based on which enrollment period you use.

Initial Enrollment

The Initial Enrollment Period is a 7 month period that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday (or your 24th month of receiving Social Security Disability benefits). If you enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period, your coverage normally starts during the month you turn 65. If you wait to enroll, you may be subject to late penalties that can stack up over time. 

At T65 Solutions, we suggest that all of our clients enroll in Medicare during the Initial Enrollment Period. Although, if you wait until after you turn 65 to enroll, there may be a slightly longer waiting period. 

For people who enroll 1 month after they turn 65, coverage starts 2 months after signing up. If you enroll 2 or 3 months after turning 65, your coverage will begin 3 months after signing up. With these rules considered, it is clear that your best bet is just to enroll as soon as you are eligible to. 

General Enrollment

The General Enrollment Period occurs every year between January 1 and March 31. If you enroll during this period, your coverage will begin on July 1. If you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may be subjected to a late enrollment penalty. 

Special Enrollment

Special Enrollment Periods can occur at any point during the year. Therefore, there is no set date that can be given for when your benefits will begin. Although, in many cases, you can expect coverage to start a month after signing up. 

Enroll In Medicare

Now that you know when your benefits will kick in, you are ready to get started with the Medicare enrollment process. To move forward, please give one of our talented insurance agents a call today.

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