About Medicare

In most cases, if you are a U.S. citizen 65 or older you are eligible for Medicare. If you are younger and have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months or have a qualifying disability or condition, you may also be eligible.

Get more details about Medicare enrollment.

You are automatically enrolled into Original Medicare on your 65th birthday. However, if you haven’t received your Medicare card by then, you may have to contact Social Security to enroll.

Additionally, you can sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. This is a eight-month window beginning three months before the month of your 65th birthday and ending three months after your birthday month.

Get more details about Medicare enrollment.

If you plan to keep working or your have employer health coverage through a spouse, you should know: 

• If you delay retirement, you have a seven-month window to enroll, called your Initial Enrollment Period.
• If an employer has fewer than 20 employees or your spouse’s employer requires you to get Medicare to remain on their plan as a dependent, you will need to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period.
• In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you could have a gap in coverage and you'll have to pay a penalty for as long as you don't have Part B.

You may also decide that enrolling in Medicare is your best choice even if you can delay, and in this case, registering during your Initial Enrollment Period is a good idea.

Get more details about Medicare enrollment.

The government covers Medicare Part A and Part B, which provide for some basic medical expenses, but not everything is covered. That's why many opt for Medicare Advantage to fill in the gaps and add coverage for things like prescription medication, dental and vision insurance. AvMed and other private insurers offer Part C (Medicare Advantage), Part D (prescription coverage) and other supplements.

Medicare Part C = Medicare Advantage Plan

An all-in-one alternative that bundles coverage into a single plan. AvMed plans include dental, vision, hearing benefits and more.

If you meet specific income requirements, you may qualify for additional help with prescription drug costs. This subsidy, also known as Extra Help, can lower the monthly premium you pay for Medicare Part D.

Not sure if you qualify?

Find out by visiting your State Medicaid office.
Or, call 1-800-Medicare.