Initial Enrollment: Initial Enrollment is the time when you first become eligible for Medicare. For most people, this is the seven-month period from three months before the month you turn 65 to three months after. At this time, you become eligible for Medicare Parts A and B, and gain the option to enroll in Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans to expand your coverage. This application can be completed by phone or online with the Social Security Administration, or you can work with a Medicare advisor to simplify the process and make sure you have the best coverage possible at the best price available. If you are still working and covered under your employer’s insurance, our Medicare advisors can compare your current private insurance with your options for Medicare Advantage in IL to look for any potential savings.

Special Enrollment: If you retire after age 65, the Special Enrollment period is your chance to transition from private insurance to Medicare coverage. In this eight-month period after you leave your insurer, you have the opportunity to select your Medicare Part B plan, and if you choose, Medigap and Medicare Advantage coverage. If you don’t submit this paperwork correctly, you risk losing your health insurance and having to pay a penalty, so it’s essential to work with a Medicare advisor who has your best interests in mind.

Open Enrollment: The Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7 of every year. Once you are already participating in Medicare, this is your chance to shop around for the best Part D prescription coverage, and also to switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage on the IL health insurance exchange (or back to original Medicare). Our advisors have the tools to show you which plans are the best for your known and expected healthcare needs, ranking the available options from best to worst. This is not the only time to enroll in, or change, Medicare Supplement plans, which our Illinois Medicare advisors are glad to help you with at any time of year.

Whatever your Medicare questions are, GM Goldman & Associates is here for you. Call us at 847-423-6467 to discuss your healthcare needs, or get a quick quote on Medigap and Medicare Advantage today!