Medicare open enrollment period is ongoing through Dec. 7

It’s that time of the year again for people 65 or older to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security, and make both retirement and Medicare choices. Knowing the options, costs, and how Medicare works doesn’t have to be complicated.

• TheInitialEnrollmentPeriod(IEP). The IEP starts after turning 65. It lasts for seven months and ends three months after the month people turn 65. The coverage always starts on the first of the month. People who qualify for premium-free Part A can take advantage of their coverage the month they turn 65. Part B (and Premium-Part A) coverage starts based on the month people sign up. Those who don’t qualify for a Premium-free Part A, might be able to buy it. The amount depends on how long a person or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes.

• Getting Social Security benefits before 65. Those who are planning to get retirement or disability benefits from Social Security at least four months before turning 65 will automatically get Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (Medicare insurance) when they turn 65, but still have to decide about adding the drug coverage. Those with Social security disability • benefitswillgetaMedicareautomaticallyaftergettingdisability benefits for 24 months.

• GettingSocialSecuritybenefitsafter65. People 65 and older should learn more about different parts of Medicare, and contact Social Security to sign up.

• Getting Social Security past 65 while working. People (or their spouses) who are still working when they turn 65 need to find out when to enroll by going to www.medicare.gov and following the “getting Social Security benefits after 65” steps.

• Getting Social Security with the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). People with ESRD can get Medicare no matter how old they are if:

• Their kidneys no longer work, they need regular dialysis or have had a kidney transplant.

• Worked with the required amount of time under Social Security, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), or as government employee.

• Already getting or eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.

• Are the spouse or dependent child of a person who meets either of the requirements listed above.

• HaveaLouGehrig’sdisease(ALS). People with an ALS disease can get a Medicare automatically the same month they start to get Social Security benefits.

• NeedaSpecialEnrollmentPeriod(SEP). A Special Enrollment Period is only available for a limited time. If missed, people can wait for the General Enrollment Period (Jan. 1-Mar. 31)and might have to pay a monthly late enrollment penalty.

For questions and more information, visit www.medicare.gov, or call 1-800-633-4227 or 1-877-486-2048 (TTY).

—www.medicare.gov