Human Resources

WHEN TO ENROLL IN MEDICARE?

There are several ways to enroll in Medicare: Automatic Enrollment, Initial Enrollment, General Enrollment and Special Enrollment. **If you already receive Social Security benefits you qualify for Automatic Enrollment. You automatically receive the Medicare card approx. three months before your 65th birthday. **If you enroll during the three months before your 65th birthday, then Medicare becomes effective on the first day of the month you turn 65. **Initial Enrollment..If you enroll during the month of your 65th birthday, then Medicare becomes effective on the 1st day of the month after your birth month. (You have a 7 month window in which to enroll in Medicare without penalty.) **If you did not enroll in Medicare during your 7 month window of eligiblity you cannot enroll until the General Enrollment Period - January through March each year. Your Medicare eligibility will not begin until the following July 1st. **If you or your spouse are actively working at age 65, are covered by an employer's group health plan, you may be able to delay Medicare Part B coverage without penalty. If you need assistance, please contact the SOCIAL SECURITY Administration at 800-772-1213 for more information. MEDICARE at 800-633-4227 or www.medicare.gov OR get a copy of the "Medicare & You Handbook or The Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare from the SS Office or from SHIIP at 800-443-9354, www.ncshiip.com

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