Introduction:
Medicare is a federal program that provides access to health insurance for those who qualify. There are multiple parts of the Medicare system.
In order to purchase supplemental Medicare policies from private companies, the government-funded, “Original Medicare,” must be properly set up.
Read how to qualify for Original Medicare and Medicare Supplements.
How Eligibility Works:
To enroll in Original Medicare, certain requirements must be met. All Medicare beneficiaries must be permanent residents of the United States and meet certain qualifications.
The most common qualifier is turning age 65. This age, synonymous in the United States with retirement, is when most people become eligible. Some individuals may qualify for Medicare benefits prior to age 65. Here is a list of the qualifying eligibility events:
- You reach age 65
- You have been entitled to Social Security Disability for 24 months.
- You receive a disability pension from the RRB and meet certain conditions.
- You have permanent kidney failure
How Enrollment Works:
Anytime after someone becomes eligible for Medicare, they may enroll. This is, as long as they have a valid “enrollment period” to use. Enrollment periods happen at different times, here are the four key opportunities.
Initial Enrollment Period:
This is a 7-month window centered on the month of your 65th birthday. During this time, you have more flexibility to enroll in Medicare than ever. If you do not enroll in Medicare once you become eligible, you need to have what the government calls “credible coverage” to avoid future premium penalties.
Open Enrollment Period:
This period takes place annually from January 1st-March 31st. This is the time when those who missed their initial window to sign up for Original Medicare may enroll in Parts A and B. During the Open Enrollment Period, active beneficiaries have certain enrollment opportunities based on their current coverage.
Annual Enrollment Period:
October 15th-December 7th. This is the time when you will see Medicare TV commercials, billboards, and radio ads. This is the time when Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan beneficiaries have the ability to shop their coverage options with new coverage taking effect January 1st.
Special Enrollment Period:
Special enrollment periods are granted to individuals and groups for different special circumstances. You receive a special enrollment period when there are circumstances that may have impacted your ability to take action during one of the fixed enrollment periods. You also may qualify for an “SEP” when you retire AFTER turning 65 and leave your employer insurance.
Working Past 65:
Working past 65 is very feasible today, and as medicine and technology advance, it is becoming a common occurrence. This is not a hindrance to your Medicare journey however, it is often just a delay.
When you continue working beyond age 65, you may elect to delay your Medicare coverage. So long as your employer based insurance plan is deemed equal to or greater than coverage provided by Original Medicare, you may continue with that plan.
Upon your retirement or removal from the employer insurance, you will be granted a Special Enrollment Period to get enrolled.
What About Extra Coverage?
Original Medicare can often leave consumers feeling a desire for more robust protections. The sign up process for additional Medicare insurance, like Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and more, is unique to each product type. All Medicare enrollment begins after the government portion is in place.
Dylan Sunderland 
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