You can sign up for Medicare beginning three months before you turn 65, and coverage can start as soon as the first day of your birthday month. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) lasts until three months after your 65th birthday.

Medicare Advantage Plans are another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage (which may include vision, dental, over-the-counter or OTC allowance, and other benefits that cannot be found in the original Medicare). Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by Medicare-approved private companies (such as United Healthcare, Humana, Blue Shield, etc.) that must follow rules set by Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage (Part D).

You are eligible to join a Medicare Advantage Plan if you have all of these requirements:

• You live in the service area of the plan you want to join. The plan can give you more information about its service area. If you live in another state for part of the year, ask if the plan will cover you there.

• You have Medicare Part A and Part B.

• You're a U.S citizen or lawfully present in the U.S

You can join or switch a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) during these times:

• Initial Enrollment Period. When you first become eligible for Medicare, you can join a plan.

• Open Enrollment Period. From October 15 – December 7 each year, you can join, switch, or drop a plan. Your coverage will begin on January 1 (as long as the plan gets your request by December 7).

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. From January 1 – March 31 each year, if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan once during this time.

A Medicare broker is a licensed independent agent that represents multiple carriers and provides you an unbiased opinion on your Medicare plan options.

Each year, Medicare brokers are required by multiple insurance companies that they represent to complete different trainings and pass a test so they understand the changes in plan coverage or policies around Medicare before they can get appointed. Medicare brokers can help you in various ways:

• Evaluate your health and your current coverage

• Present multiple plans based on your needs and budget

• Enroll you in a plan

• Save time and effort in finding the right plan

No, you do not pay any fee for the assistance of a Medicare broker or agent. It is completely free.

Medicare brokers are paid through commissions by the different insurance companies for bringing them the customer.