How to Help Someone Enroll in Medicare
Key Takeaways
If your loved one is turning 65, they’ll need to enroll in Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) .
For purposes of Medicare, you need legal authorization anytime you’re acting on behalf of a beneficiary. For example, you can’t enroll another person in Medicare, even your spouse, unless you have power of attorney, health-care proxy or other authorization to make such decisions for the beneficiary.
Beneficiaries with Original Medicare can switch to Medicare Advantage during the Annual Enrollment Period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
If your loved one moves or loses their coverage, they may have a Special Enrollment Period to choose a plan.
Is Your Loved One Turning 65?
If you care for someone approaching 65, it’s time to start researching Medicare plans. Medicare is health insurance for all Americans aged 65 and older. Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D), Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage are the four parts of Medicare.
Power of Attorney
For purposes of Medicare, you need legal authorization anytime you’re acting on behalf of a beneficiary. For example, you can’t enroll another person in Medicare, even your spouse, unless you have power of attorney, health-care proxy or other authorization to make such decisions for the beneficiary. You also can’t enroll him or her in a Medicare Advantage plan without such authorization.
Mark your calendar: Initial Enrollment Period
Your loved one’s first chance to sign up for Medicare at 65 is known as their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Missing the IEP can cause them to pay steep enrollment penalties that last for years. Starting three months before they turn 65, your loved one will have a seven-month window to enroll in Medicare.
As an example, say your loved one will turn 65 next June. Their IEP will open on March 1 and close on Sept. 30.
Missed Your IEP?
If someone misses their IEP, there are usually two options:
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you qualify, you can enroll after your IEP without penalty.
- General Enrollment Period: This enrollment period runs from Jan. 1 to March 31 each year. These policies typically begin July 1.
New to Medicare: What else to know
As a primary caregiver, you have enough to think about without learning Medicare from scratch. Instead, check out our New to Medicare Guide. We’ve put together facts and tips to help you.
Find a local Medicare plan that fits your needs
Already Enrolled in Medicare?
If someone you care for has a Medicare plan, make sure it meets their needs. Here are a few examples to consider:
- Are they living with a new illness or injury since they last enrolled?
- Have their doctors changed?
- Would Medicare Advantage be a cost-effective option?
You can get even more information by reading our Medicare Beneficiary Guide.
Want to Switch to Medicare Advantage?
You can change plans and coverage during the Open Enrollment Period each year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Here are a few changes to consider during Open Enrollment:
- Change from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Change to a different Medicare Advantage Plan
- Join, change or drop a drug plan
