Getting Started

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE PART A & B

Automatic Enrollment

  • If you are on an employer group plan, you will not be automatically enrolled by Medicare and will need to apply.
  • If you are not on an employer group plan and you have the required 40 quarters credit (10 years ) that you paid into the Medicare system, you should be automatically enrolled into Medicare Part A and B.
  • If you have been receiving social security benefits on disability for 24 months, you should be automatically enrolled when eligible.
  • Your red, white and blue Medicare card will typically arrive in the mail about 3 months and 15 days prior to your your 65th birthday month. If you do not receive it, please call us.  We can check to see if you are in the Medicare system and apply for you, if you are not.
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Enroll Online

  • If you were not automatically enrolled into Medicare, you will need to apply for Medicare Part A and B unless you prefer to stay on your employer group plan which most people don’t because most employer group plans have high medical deductibles and do not cover you at 100%.
  • You can submit an electronic application on Social Security’s website HERE
  • Fill out your application and submit. This is the easiest way to apply for Original Medicare and usually takes less than 20 minutes.
  • Our agents can help guide you through the process, OR HAPPILY DO IT FOR YOU. Give us a call or schedule an appointment today! There is never any cost for any of our services!

Apply in person or call Social Security

  • If you were not automatically enrolled and do not wish to apply online, you can call your local Social Security office to schedule your in-person appointment. These appointments are often scheduled at least 30 days from your call and can often take longer to get your Medicare card. The wait times at your local SS office vary but can often take all day so be prepared. Always get your application summary to confirm that Social Security completed your enrollment correctly.
  • You can also call Social Security Administration and apply over the phone, but be prepared for long call wait times. There is also a potential they may reschedule your telephonic enrollment.

Applying for Medicaid

& THE MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM

  • Medicaid is a joint Federal and State program that helps cover medical costs for people with limited income and resources. Eligibility requirements and benefits can vary from state to state.
  • CLICK HERE to see all Medicaid income limits by state.
  • If you are close to an income limit, it never hurts to still apply. Many factors are taken into consideration.

    CLICK HERE to apply for MEDICAID.

  • In this application you will see a question that says check this box if you Do Not want us to send a copy of this application to the state for the Medicare Savings Program (Medicaid). Make sure to leave this box BLANK and do not check this box so that your application will be sent to the state to be processed for Medicaid.  Some states require you to apply for Medicaid directly to the state.  We can help you verify if your state requires this.
  • Our agents will be happy to submit a Medicaid application on your behalf to your state.  Just call the number below.

PH: (866) 768-3813

Applying for "Extra Help" with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs

ALSO KNOWN AS Low Income Subsidy (LIS)

  • A Part D Low Income Subsidy helps people with Medicare pay for their prescription drugs and can lower the costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage if approved. Eligibility is based on certain income limits.
  • CLICK HERE to apply for the "EXTRA HELP" PART D LOW INCOME SUBSIDY - FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG CO-PAYS.
  • Or you can call us today and our agents will check your eligibility and apply on your behalf!
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Why choose us?

  • We know this can be confusing and overwhelming time. We know you are getting tons of Medicare mail along with unsolicited phone calls day and night and it’s all frustrating. Your time is valuable and our agents understand that. They are very friendly and gracious to work with you. They can explain all of your options in a simple and easy to understand way and help you narrow down your plan options.
  • We have nearly 15 years experience navigating the world of Medicare. Let our experts guide you! We can check the status of your applications and make sure they are submitted correctly!
  • We won’t call you unless you call us! We won’t harass or bully you onto a plan! There is no pressure to enroll. If you just want some information, that’s okay too. WE WILL NOT CHARGE YOU FOR ANY OF OUR SERVICES.
  • We want you to be happy and confident with your choice so that you continue to choose The Grace Agency for all of your life and health insurance needs!
  • We are licensed and contracted with many popular carriers to sell both Medicare Advantage and Supplemental with Stand-alone-prescription Drug Plans. Some agents can only offer one or the other and unfortunately steer their clients towards only what they can offer. We can do it all and want you to choose the best option for your needs.
  • Where most agent relationships stop right after the enrollment, it’s our goal to be your trusted Medicare resource for life! We’ll take you step by step through the enrollment process. If your needs ever change, you can always call us and we’ll be there to help guide you through Medicare with Grace!

Medicare Basics

JOINING A PLAN & ENROLLMENT PERIODS

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What is Medicare

& WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN?

Medicare is the Federal Health Insurance program for:

  • Individuals who are 65 or older
  • People under 65, if they’ve received Social Security Disability Insurance or certain Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for at least 24 months.
  • People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called (ESRD).
  • For people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), there is no waiting period for Medicare.
  • Our agents can check your Medicare eligibility.

What are the different parts of Medicare

& MEDICARE COSTS?

  • Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home health care.
  • Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Part B covers certain doctor’s services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventative services.
  • Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover the cost of Prescription Drugs.

Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A
If you don’t qualify for a premium-free Part A, you can buy Part A
Everyone pays a monthly premium for Part B. In 2024, Medicare part B premium costs $174.70.

When can you join a Medicare Plan?

TO JOIN A MEDICARE PLAN, YOU MUST:

  • Have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)and Part B (Medical Insurance)
  • Live in the service area of the plan you want to join.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S.
  • Have your Medicare Number and your Part A and/or Part B coverage start dates.

Enrollment Periods

An enrollment period is the only time you can join,
switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan or a
Stand Alone Prescription Drug Plan.

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    • Initial Coverage Enrollment Period (ICEP): The period 3 months prior to the first day of your birthday month, your entire birthday month and 3 months after. If you have been on social security disability for more than 24 months that triggers an automatic PART A and B, giving you an initial coverage enrollment election.

 

    • Annual Enrollment Period ( AEP): October 15th to December 7th. This is a set time each year for changing your Medicare coverage. You can submit an unlimited number of applications during this period with your last application going into effect on January 1.

 

    • Open Enrollment Period ( OEP): January 1 to March 31st, this is where you can make a one-time change to your Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD). The plan will take effect the following month of when you apply. You can go from a Supplemental Plan to another Supplemental Plan or from an Advantage Plan to another Advantage Plan. You can also change a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) to another Prescription Drug Plan or go back to Original Medicare and choose a Stand-Along PDP.

 

    • Special Election Period (SEP): This election is used if you gain or have any change of level in your Low Income Subsidy (LIS) or Medicaid status. It can be used if you move out of the plan’s service area or become eligible for a special needs plan for either adults with chronic condition or institutionalized adults. If you are in an area that is effected by a natural disaster, this can sometimes trigger a special election period.

 

  • 5 STAR PLAN: You can enroll ONE-TIME annually in a 5-STAR plan, outside of a valid election period, if one is offered in your service area.

Avoid Late Enrollment Penalties

NOTE: You must sign up for Medicare during your first Initial Enrollment Period, unless you already have credible coverage in place (Ex: your employer). If you do not have credible coverage and miss your enrollment period when you are first eligible, you may have a late enrollment penalty added to your monthly premium. These penalties are usually charged for as long as you have that type of coverage (for most people, that's a lifetime penalty).

1% PDP late enrollment penalty per month:

  • If you do not get a drug plan when you first become eligible for Medicare (unless you have either credible coverage on a Group Plan or you are a Veteran) You will get a 1% Late enrollment penalty for every month you go without a drug plan. This is a lifetime penalty unless you get approved for a LOW INCOME SUBSIDY(LIS), then the penalty goes away.
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Avoid the Medicare headache and call an experienced agent today!

PH: (866) 768-3813

10% Part B late enrollment penalty:

  • If you do not enroll in Part B when you first become eligible, you may incur a 10% late enrollment penalty (unless you have credible coverage on a Group Plan or you qualify for Medicaid.)
  • Some people stay on a Group Plan until they’re ready for retirement and can do this without receiving a penalty. When you are ready to retire and go on a Medicare Plan, then you must apply for Part B within 30 days prior and up to 60 days after loss of credible coverage.

Calling the number above will direct you to a licensed sales agent. The information above is a brief summer. Visit medicare.gov for more. The benefit information provided on this website is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits and you must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network premium and/or copayments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact State Health Insurance Program ( SHIP’s ) 1-877-839-2675, medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options. Carrier Plans are contracted with Medicare for HMO, PPO and PDP plans and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in many Medicare Plans depends on contract renewal.