To enroll in Medicare, you typically need the following documents:

Proof of Age and Citizenship/Residency:

-Birth certificate or other proof of age.

-U.S. passport or green card for citizenship.

-Valid driver’s license or utility bills for residency.

Social Security Information: Social Security card or proof of application.

Employer Information: Information about your current or previous employer, including contact details and dates of employment.

Information on Other Health Insurance: If you have other health insurance, you’ll need details about the policy.

Bank Account Information (if you’re signing up for automatic withdrawals for premium payments).

Tax Records: Information about your tax returns or tax-related documents.

Information about Dependents: If you’re enrolling dependents, you’ll need their personal information.

Yes! If you meet certain criteria, you can qualify for Medicare even if you haven’t worked. These special circumstances include:

Spousal Coverage: If your spouse is eligible for social security, disability, or retirement benefits, or if you were married for over 10 years and your former spouse is eligible. If your spouse has passed away and you haven’t remarried, you may also be eligible.

Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like permanent kidney failure or ALS, qualify you for Medicare Part A. Contact a Medicare specialist or visit the US Department of Health and Human Services Medicare benefits page for more information on disability eligibility.

Paid Premium: If you’re not eligible for free Medicare Part A, you can pay a monthly premium for the same benefits. To apply, you must be at least 65 years old and a U.S. citizen for at least five years. The monthly cost for Part A may be up to $470, potentially lower if you worked for less than ten years.

Medicare and Medicaid are government healthcare programs in the U.S.

Medicare mainly serves individuals aged 65 and older, as well as some with disabilities or specific medical conditions. It’s funded by the federal government and provides coverage through different parts, including hospital and medical insurance.

On the other hand, Medicaid is designed for low-income individuals, pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities. It’s jointly funded by federal and state governments, with benefits and eligibility criteria varying by state. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid covers a broader range of services, including long-term care and mental health services, and is administered by individual states under federal guidelines.

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part D plans (PDP) help pay for medications prescribed by a doctor. Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. The types of drugs covered are decided by the U.S. government. Beyond that list, every Medicare Part D plan covers a different set of drugs. When choosing a Part D plan, you need to make sure it covers the drugs you take.

Most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans already include Part D prescription drug coverage, combined into a single plan with hospital and medical. Another option is to have a separate Part D plan in addition to Original Medicare, a Medicare supplement Insurance plan, or a Private Fee-For-Service plan.

Coinsurance refers to the percentage you pay for certain health care expenses during the year. After you reach the amount of your deductible, coinsurance will then take over.

Copay refers to flat fees you’ll pay for medical services or products. Copays are usually applied to certain prescription drugs, doctor visits, urgent care, and other services.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment period (AEP) happens at the same time every year, from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare plan — including Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs from January 1 to March 31 every year. During this period, you can make a one-time election to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or leave a Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). If you do that, you can also then enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan.

Medicare grants a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for certain qualifying situations and life events.

For people who already have Medicare coverage, there is a special 2-month SEP that Medicare offers for people who experience a qualified life event. For example, if you move to a different state and your Medicare Advantage plan is not offered there, you would qualify for this SEP. During this two-month period, you can change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, or if you choose, you can also return to just Original Medicare.

Directed Health's service, quotes, and consultations come at no cost to you. Directed Health earns commissions by enrolling customers in plans offered by insurance companies. Rest easy knowing that our service is designed to always put your needs first.

No. All quotes are completely free, and there is no obligation for you to enroll in a plan.

No. Directed Health is dedicated to your trust, privacy, and online safety. Your information is secure and never sold for any reason.

No. For instance, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that the same policy has to cost the same amount in premiums and out-of-pocket expenses no matter where it’s purchased.

All Part D plans have a drug list — also called a formulary — that gives you the information you need about which drugs are covered. The formulary can change, but your plan will let you know ahead of time if it does. The formulary will also tell you if your drug has any special rules or limits. Your plan will send you your formulary and/or give you a way to get all of your drug list information online.