New to Medicare Overview
We’re here to help you understand your options and guide you through the Medicare enrollment process with confidence.
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We’re here to help you. Use us! We are a free resource to aid those that are eligible in their Medicare enrollment. Follow our steps to lead you in the right direction.
You may be able to delay Medicare when you turn 65 if you have credible coverage, such as group employer insurance, without penalty. Talk to an expert and plan for enrollment prior to turning 65.
To enroll into Medicare Parts A and B, visit your local Social Security Administration office or sign up on their website at ssa.gov.
We’re here to Help
We make Medicare easy by walking you through the process of signing up and selecting your supplemental options. Medicare is not easy to understand initially, but with the right help, you’ll be well on your way to joining the right plan for you.
If you’re new to Medicare or around 65, you should be receiving letters upon letters, some informative and others simply solicitation.
We can help you sort through what’s important and what isn’t. Mail you should be looking out for comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA), The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Medicare.gov.
We designed our website to include all the information necessary for your first steps into Medicare. Following our guide will lead you to a successful enrollment and ideally, an expert to answer any questions you may have at any time.
Take these steps to begin your Medicare journey.
Choose where you would like to begin:
- Learn the basics of Medicare.
- Check to see if you’re eligible for Medicare.
- Apply for Medicare on SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
- Wait to receive your red/white/blue Medicare card. If you’re in a hurry, ask the Social Security office for your Medicare Beneficiary Information. You will need to be enrolled in both Parts A and B of Medicare if it will be your primary insurance.
- Learn about the supplemental options that are available to you: Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement, otherwise known as Medigap.
- Fill the gaps in your coverage. Regardless of what plan you choose, not everything will be covered at 100%. Review what ancillary products are available to see if there is a right match for you.
- Use an expert to enroll! Our services are free and we’re available every day for questions. Using an agent/agency does not affect plan pricing in any way.
- Review your coverage annually during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Plans can change every year. It’s important to make sure your plan still covers you in the best way possible for the right price.
Medicare as Primary Insurance
If you’re not on employer coverage, your Medicare will likely start when you turn 65. Before turning 65, the only parts of Medicare you will start at the Social Security office are Parts A and B. Any supplemental coverage and your Part D will be done through an insurance agent/agency.
If you are collecting your Social Security benefits at least 4 months before you turn 65, your Parts A, B, and D will likely auto-start the month you turn 65. If you are not collecting your benefits, you must self-enroll.
Medicare Vs. Employer Coverage
Your path to Medicare may look different if you are still employed. The full retirement age keeps being pushed back, which means more people are working past age 65.
Your decision is whether to keep employer coverage and coordinate that coverage with Part A of Medicare, or switch to Medicare as your primary insurance. Researching which coverage option is best for you is recommended.
If you are collecting your Social Security benefits at least 4 months before you turn 65, your Parts A, B, and D will likely auto-start the month you turn 65. If you are not collecting your benefits, you must self-enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding New to Medicare
Here are some common questions we get asked for those new to Medicare:
When am I eligible for Medicare?
To be eligible for Medicare, you must be 65 years of age or older. Although, there are special circumstances where an individual may be eligible for Medicare early due to disability or illness. Check to see if this applies to you.
How do I sign up for Medicare?
Your local Social Security Administration office can help you sign up for Medicare. An alternative would be to create an account on SSA.gov to sign up for either Medicare or to start drawing your benefits.
How much does Medicare cost?
Medicare Part A can cost as low as $0 for most people. For 2026, Part B has a base premium of $202.90/mo.
Do I have to take Medicare when I turn 65?
The short answer is yes. The government will impose penalties for late enrollments. To avoid enrollment and these penalties, you must have credible medical coverage. Most commonly, Part B is delayed if you still have group health coverage with an employer.
My Part A of Medicare started when I turned 65, when do I start my Part B?
This typically occurs when someone has had credible employer coverage when they turn 65. You want to start your Part B as soon as your employer coverage ends, or earlier, if Medicare seems like the right option for you. You don’t want any gaps between switching from employer coverage to Medicare.
When do I sign up to avoid penalties?
Your Initial Election Period (IEP) is a 7-month window that surrounds your 65th birthday. This is typically the best time to sign up for Medicare. Most people enroll during their IEP to avoid any penalties.
You can determine your IEP using this calculator. Your IEP will be a period starting 3-months prior to the month you turn 65, your birth month, and 3-months after you turn 65.
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