FAQ on Medicare Insurance

1. Can you apply for Medicare Insurance after you turn 65?

       An open enrollment period from January 1 through March 31 of each year permits people 65 or older who failed to enroll or dropped their Medicare Part B coverage to sign up. Their coverage will begin July 1.

       Generally, a 10 percent premium penalty will be added to the monthly premium for each year they could have enrolled but did not. However, if you are covered by an employer or union group health plan through you or your spouse's current or active employment, you may qualify for a special enrollment period.

2. When can I sign up for my Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage?

       If you are newly entitled or enrolled in Medicare, you may enroll for Prescription Drug Coverage during your initial enrollment period for Medicare.  If you do not join during this period, your next chance to join will be during the Annual coordinated Election Period (AEP) between November 15 and December 31 each year.  There will also be Special Enrollments Periods (SEPs) if you lose your employer-based coverage or move from your Prescription Drug Provider's (PDP) or from Medicare-Advantage Plan that offers Prescription Drug Coverage (MA-PD) service area and when a provider goes out of business or is decertified by Medicare.

       In 2006, beneficiaries eligible for the extra help with prescription drug costs are able to sign up at anytime.