WHAT IS MEDICARE?

INDIVIDUALS WHO GET PARTS A AND B AUTOMATICALLY

• Are you already getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)?

• In most cases, you’ll automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. If your birthday is on the first day of the month, Part A and Part B will start the first day of the prior month.

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• Are you under 65 and disabled?

• You automatically get Part A and Part B after you get disability benefits from Social Security or certain disability benefits from the RRB for 24 months.

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• Do you have ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease)?

• You automatically get Part A and Part B the month your disability benefits begin.

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• Do you live in Puerto Rico and get benefits from Social Security or the RRB?  

• You automatically get Part A. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it.

SIGN UP FOR PARTS C AND D

There are specific times when you can sign up for Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D), or make changes to coverage you already have.

• When You First Get Medicare (Initial Enrollment Periods)

• During Certain Times Each Year (Yearly Enrollment Periods)

• In Special Circumstances (Special Enrollment Periods)

• You change where you live

• You lose your current coverage

• You have a chance to get other coverage

• Your plan changes its contract with Medicare

• Other special situations