How to apply for Medicare and when:
- Nearly 60 million Americans were enrolled in Medicare in 2018.
- Your eligibility depends on your age, but also other variables.
- When can you enroll in Medicare coverage?
- You can change your Medicare coverage
- If you’re eligible for Medicare you have a wide range of coverage options
- The cost of Medicare coverage varies
- Frequently asked questions about Medicare
- Medicare glossary terms
Nearly 60 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program created to provide a safety net for senior citizens as well as disabled enrollees who meet specific criteria. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports that nearly 60 million Americans were enrolled in Medicare in 2018. Millions more will enroll during the annual Medicare open enrollment period (October 15 through December 7).
Eligibility depends on your age, other variables
For the vast majority of Americans who look forward to receiving Medicare health benefits, eligibility is as uncomplicated as celebrating your 65th birthday. But eligibility isn’t dependent solely on your age.
- Am I eligible for Medicare health coverage?
- At what age am I eligible for Medicare?
- How do I know if I qualify for Medicare?
- You can be enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid at the same time.
- Can recent immigrants to the United States get health coverage if they’re over 65?
When can you enroll in Medicare?
Millions of Americans are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B at age 65. But it’s not your only opportunity to enroll in Original Medicare – or in other Medicare coverage. It’s important to know Medicare open enrollment dates for initial enrollment and beyond.
- Important Medicare enrollment dates (complete info)
- When is the next Medicare open enrollment period? (complete info)
- Making the move from Obamacare to Medicare
| A quick look at Medicare enrollment dates | |
|---|---|
| October 15 – December 7, 2019 | Medicare’s next annual open enrollment |
| January 1 – March 31 | You can sign up for Medicare Part A or B if you didn’t sign up when you were first eligible. |
| January 1 – March 31 | The opportunity for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or back to Original Medicare. |
| December 8, 2018 – November 30, 2019 | You may be able to switch to a new Advantage or Part D plan. |
| Any time | You can apply for Medigap at any time, but in most states, your application will be subject to medical underwriting if you’re not in your initial six-month eligibility window. |
You can change your Medicare coverage
The annual Medicare open enrollment period (October 15 through December 7) is just one of a handful of opportunities to swap out your Medicare plan.
- When is Medicare Open Enrollment?
- How do I change my Medicare coverage?
- Four ways to upgrade your Medicare coverage
- Switching between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare
Wide range of Medicare coverage options
Medicare plans are alphabetized from “A” to “D” but deciding which Medicare coverage is right for you is definitely not as easy as a multiple-choice question with a single right answer. Here’s an overview of your Medicare plan options and other helpful articles:
- How to choose between Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Part D
- What should couples consider when choosing Medicare plans?
The cost of Medicare coverage varies
Your eligibility to receive Medicare coverage without having to pay a premium – and your eligibility for other Medicare plans – depends on such factors as your work history and your health status.
- Who does NOT have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A?
- What are the costs of Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage?
- Is there help for me if I can’t afford Medicare’s premiums?
- How much does the average Medicare recipient pay out of pocket for medical expenses?
Frequently asked questions about Medicare
- When is the next Medicare open enrollment period?
- Can recent immigrants to the United States get health coverage if they’re over 65?
- What kind of Medicare benefit changes can I expect in 2018?
- Can I be enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?
- What benefits does Medicare provide for Alzheimer’s patients?
- See all frequently asked questions about Medicare