At What Age Do You Qualify for Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance for anyone age 65 or older. The first chance to enroll starts three months before your 65th birthday and lasts until three months after. This is called the Initial Enrollment Period. If you don’t sign up for Medicare during this time, you might have to wait and could pay a penalty.

There are some exceptions for enrolling in Medicare before age 65. You may be eligible to receive Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Can You Choose to Not Enroll in Medicare at 65?

If you or your spouse are aged 65 or older and still working and receiving health insurance through your employer, you can continue to do so.

Once you stop working or lose your health insurance, you then have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare. It’s recommended to sign up for Medicare before your current coverage ends to avoid gaps in coverage.

Get More Coverage with Medicare Advantage

After you’ve signed up for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), you may want to consider additional coverage options.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn’t cover important things like dental, vision, hearing and prescription drugs. This is where a Medicare Advantage plan such as KelseyCare Advantage can help. Also referred to as Part C, Medicare Advantage plans are bundled plans that offer coverage for things not included in Parts A and B.

Enroll in Medicare on Time

If you are about to turn 65 or did so recently, KelseyCare Advantage invites you to consider all we have to offer as your Medicare provider.

As a KelseyCare Advantage member, you can see 1,000 physicians and providers in 65 specialties at 43 locations across Greater Houston. No referrals are ever required to see Kelsey-Seybold providers, including orthopedics, cardiology, and neurology.

Enrolling is quick and easy. Get started with Medicare Advantage enrollment today!