If you will soon be newly qualified for Medicare, here is what you need to know

If you will soon be eligible for Medicare due to disability or turning 65 years old, there are several questions you probably have. Here we will try to answer those questions in a simple and clear fashion.

Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP):Three months before, the month during, and three months after, you turn 65 years old. The Initial Election Period is when you first become eligible for Medicare (3 months before you turn age 65 to 3 months after the month you turn age 65). If you get Medicare due to a disability, you can join during the 3 months before to 3 months after your 25th month of disability. During this time, you may enroll in Medicare Part A & B. In addition for Parts A & B, you may also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, Part D prescription drug plan, or apply for a Medicare Supplemental Insurance plan (Medigap). Medicare Part D is voluntary, but you may get a penalty for not enrolling when you first have the opportunity to do so. Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap plans are optional, and there are no penalties for enrolling in either plan at a later time.   

For more details about your options as a Medicare Beneficiary,
click here to ask us specific questions, or call us at 1-800-289-8376.   

 Or click here to download a copy of  "You & Medicare 2010" publication