The first time you can enroll is called your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a 7-month time frame. It begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. For example, if your 65th birthday were in the month of May, you would be eligible to enroll February 1 – August 31st.

For more information, visit TrustedMedicareAnswers.com

Medicare Part A covers hospital and skilled nursing facility stays, hospice care, and some home health care costs. Medicare Part B helps to cover doctors’ appointments, as well as services, preventative and specialty services, outpatient care, home health care, and some medical equipment.

In addition to parts A & B, you should have a prescription drug plan (Part D). If you have gaps in coverage and would like a Medicare Supplement plan, that is also an option available to you.

For more information, visit TrustedMedicareAnswers.com

Medicare Part D is also known as a Prescription Drug Plan. It is a requirement for every Medicare-eligible person to have a Prescription Drug Plan, which can be purchased through private carriers.

For more information, visit TrustedMedicareAnswers.com

Private carriers offer Part C plans, also known as Medicare Advantage Plans, which offer all the benefits covered under Original Medicare (parts A and B) and more. You can select from HMOs, PPOs, Private Fee-for-Service, and Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans. In order to join a Part C Plan, you need to be first enrolled Medicare Parts A and B.

For more information, visit TrustedMedicareAnswers.com