[[state-start:MP,OR,VI]]It's important to know when you're eligible for Medicare and what to do if you are. Learn more about Medicare eligibility, what to do if you want to work past age 65 and how to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B.
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[[state-start:null,AL,AK,AS,AZ,AR,CA,CO,CT,DE,FL,GA,GU,HI,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NH,NJ,NM,NC,ND,NY,OH,OK,PA,PR,RI,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VT,VA,WA,DC,WV,WI,WY]]It’s important to know what to do when you’re eligible for Medicare.
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You have Medicare decisions to make when you turn 65 even if you have coverage through an employer—yours or your spouse's (if they're still working). Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) happens when you're turning 65 whether you're still going to work or not. So be sure you know your IEP dates.
Learn how Medicare may work with your employer coverage.
Some employers require you to get Original Medicare (Parts A and B) benefits at age 65. Many people with employer coverage enroll in just Part A during their IEP. Part A is premium free for most people, and may provide hospital coverage in addition to your employer plan. Your employer's benefits administrator should be able to help you learn more about your choices.
You still have a Medicare enrollment decision to make.
Even if you have coverage through your employer or your spouse’s employer, you'll still need to consider Medicare. Depending on your situation, you may or may not be able to delay Medicare enrollment. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) happens when you’re turning 65 whether you’re still going to work or not. Be sure to know your IEP dates and plan ahead.
Learn how Medicare works with your employer coverage.
Depending on you employer coverage or your spouse's employer coverage:
You may be required to enroll in Original Medicare (both Part A and Part B) by your/your spouse's employer, or
You may be able to enroll in only Original Medicare Part A during your IEP, then enroll in Original Medicare Part B and/or Part D later during a Special Enrollment Period
Reach out to your employer's benefits administrator to learn more about your personal options.
What do I need to do once I’m eligible for Medicare?
Most people are automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) once they're eligible. But not everyone is.
You'll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare if:
You have Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65,
or
You are eligible for Medicare because of a disability or medical condition.
You must enroll in Original Medicare yourself if:
You are not receiving Social Security benefits when you become eligible for Medicare. You can enroll by visiting the ssa.gov/medicare website, or by calling or stopping into your local Social Security office.
Note: If you want coverage besides Original Medicare—like a Medicare Advantage (Part C), Prescription Drug (Part D) or Medicare Supplement insurance plan—that's up to you, as well.
What are my coverage choices once I'm eligible for Medicare?
Once you’re enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and/or Part B, you can start to receive coverage from the federal government and you can choose to receive additional coverage from private insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare. Take a look at the "Coverage Choices" page to learn more.
What are my coverage choices after I have Medicare?
Once you’re enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and/or Part B, you’ll start to receive coverage from the federal government. At that point, you can also choose additional coverage from private insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare. Take a look at the next page, Coverage Choices, to learn more.
Explore the Medicare Advantage, Medicare Prescription Drug and Medicare Supplement plans that may be available in your area. Or learn if you qualify for a Medicare Special Needs Plan.
UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, brokers or producers.
AARP® encourages you to consider your needs when selecting products and does not make product recommendations for individuals.
Please note that each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products.
AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
AARP endorses the AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company.
Insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, Horsham, PA (UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, Islandia, NY for New York residents). Policy form No. GRP 79171 GPS-1 (G-36000-4).
In some states, plans may be available to persons under age 65 who are eligible for Medicare by reason of disability or End-Stage Renal Disease.
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.
This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you.
You must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan.
THESE PLANS HAVE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS. FOR COSTS AND COMPLETE DETAILS (INCLUDING OUTLINES OF COVERAGE), CALL A LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT/PRODUCER AT THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER ABOVE.
Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Prescription Drug plans
Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare. You do not need to be an AARP member to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Prescription Drug plan.
This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information.
