Who We Help – Those Turning 65 and Older.
Turning 65 – Your IEP
What is the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?
For most of us, the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is triggered by our 65th birthday, is the first chance and the best time to enroll in Medicare.
Your IEP is unique to you, as it is a 7-month window that begins 3 months prior to your 65th birth month, includes your birth month, and the 3 months that follow your birth month.
It provides you the opportunity to enroll penalty-free in Medicare Parts A and B, as well as a Part D prescription plan.
Special Enrollment Periods for Working Past 65
Today, many people are choosing to work past 65. By doing so, you might elect to keep your employer benefits until you decide to dis-enroll from these benefits or retire. With either scenario, you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that would provide you a period of time to enroll in Parts B and D penalty-free.
Prior to determining your SEP eligibility after your Initial Enrollment Period, you should discuss with your employer how your existing health plan coincides with Medicare enrollment. Next, determine what documentation is required to qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.
How we can help if you’re working Past 65
We will guide you through delaying enrollment in Medicare and maintaining creditable coverage (Medicare-approved employer health insurance coverage), so you can avoid the risk of late enrollment penalties.
Do You Qualify?
Determine if you will qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to delay Medicare enrollment penalty-free.
Creditable Coverage
Coordination of Benefits
Determine if Medicare will provide primary or secondary coverage and what that means to you as a retiree, COBRA beneficiary and/or a Marketplace/ACA coverage beneficiary.
Medicare Costs
Evaluate if remaining on your employer plan or transitioning into Medicare is the right option for you.
Applying for a Special Enrollment Period
Step-by-Step guidance in applying for a special enrollment period
Life Changes – Do You Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) understand that life changes and, depending on your situation, you could qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to assist in enrolling and managing your Medicare benefits.
An SEP allows you to delay enrolling in Part B and D without incurring a late enrollment penalty (LEP). If you elected not to enroll for Parts B and D during your IEP, you would need to provide documentation of your Special Enrollment Period (SEP) eligibility to CMS in order to avoid any penalties.
Please see below a list of special circumstances that CMS has approved to qualify for an SEP.
Special Circumstances
✓ Moving out of your Medicare plan’s service area.
✓ Your Medicare plan is withdrawn from the Medicare program.
✓ Residing, moving into, or moving out of a nursing facility or other institution.
✓ Becoming eligible or losing your Medicaid coverage.
✓ Becoming eligible and receiving Extra Help (also known as Low-Income Subsidy) with your Medicare prescription drug costs.
Need help with your Medicare? Connect with one of our experienced insurance agents today.