Video: Medicare Enrollment

Video Transcript

Dr. Kevin Soden: Hi, I’m Dr. Kevin Soden. Welcome to Medicare Made Clear. I’m here with UnitedHealthcare’s Dr. Richard Migliori, where we’re helping real people get answers to their Medicare questions.

Senior Man: When can I start getting Medicare?

Dr. Richard Migliori: For most people, qualifying for Medicare is based on age. Unless you have a disability or some other special situation, you only really need to meet a couple of criteria. First, you must be 65 years or older. Second, you must be a US citizen or a legal resident who has lived in the United States for at least five consecutive years. If you meet those requirements, you can enroll any time from three months before you become eligible until three months afterwards.

Soden: But just because you’re 65 doesn’t mean you have to sign up for Medicare, right?

Migliori: It’s true. There are plenty of people who delay signing up for Medicare. If you’re 65 and still have employer coverage, either personally or through your spouse, you don’t have to sign up until you lose that coverage. But, to avoid a lapse in coverage, you will want to enroll at least 30 days before your employer’s coverage ends. If you wait until after your coverage ends, you can still enroll during the two-month Special Election Period.

Soden: And at that point, can you enroll in any Medicare option?

Migliori: As long as you’ve enrolled in Medicare parts A and B and continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. In many cases, in fact, if you're currently receiving a Social Security check, your Part B premium is already deducted from that check. If you’re not sure of your status, you should contact your local Social Security administration office.

Soden: Thanks, Dr. Migliori. And thank you for joining us on Medicare Made Clear.

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