How to Start Medicare & Supplemental Insurance

Becoming eligible for Medicare is a big moment in the life of just about all Americans. It means you have almost reached retirement age and the years to sit back and enjoy life are just around the corner. Starting Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurance is very easy, to the point that, for most people, you will barely have to do anything to get it. Here's how to get started.

Instructions

Starting Medicare

• 1

  Do nothing if you are already receiving Social Security benefits. The federal government will automatically enroll you in Medicare A and B at the beginning of the month you turn 65. In other words, if your birthday is March 21, your Medicare coverage will be effective starting March 1. The government will mail your Medicare card three months before you turn 65.

• 2

  Contact your Social Security office if you are not receiving Social Security benefits or Medicare. You can also apply online. You may also apply for both Social Security benefits and Medicare at the same time. Apply three months before you turn 65. You can apply for Social Security benefits nine months after you turn 61.

• 3

  Contact the Social Security office if you are not receiving Social Security and want to receive Medicare. In this situation, you must apply for Medicare. The government recommends applying three months before you turn 65.

Starting a Medicare Supplement

• 4

  Contact a private insurance broker or company. Either one can put you in touch with an agent who can inform you, answer questions and help you pick a Medicare supplement. Medicare supplements are sold by private insurance companies to fill in gaps in the original Medicare A and B.

• 5

  Compare prices and carriers. The private insurance companies all sell 12 standardized supplements you can choose from. However, the monthly premiums on the plans can vary, as well as which of the 12 plans the company makes available. You must have Medicare A and B to be able to purchase a supplement. Typically, you will have to pay the Medicare B premium, as well as a premium the insurance company may charge for the supplement, although again, that depends on the insurance carrier. The agent will be able to give you a quote on the supplement. The closer you are to 65, the cheaper the supplement will generally be.

• 6

  Fill out an application and submit a first month's premium. By submitting the premium with your application, you will make sure that the insurance will start immediately.