Sign up for Medicare
Signing up for Medicare can be an intimidating, confusing process. CzapHealthCare is here to help you choose the best options for your needs, and get signed up without any missing pieces.
Medicare Part A
You are entitled to Medicare Part A (which covers hospitalization and other medical services not deemed “doctor-provided). You do not have to sign up for Part A.
Medicare Part B
You must sign up for Medicare Part B (which covers doctor services).
- Since you only have a 7-month window (your Initial Enrollment Period, starting 3 months prior to the month you turn 65) to sign up for Part B, it is best to sit down and start discussing the process and your options as early as possible.
- It is important to make sure you sign up on the Social Security website at least 6-8 weeks before your birth month to allow time for Social Security to get your card to you. You want your Medicare to start on time!
- For example: If your birth month is June, then we should sit down in March, and you should apply for Part B by the first week of April. Then you will have your card in early May.
- We should also meet as soon as you get the new card, so that we can have your plan ready to go on your eligible start date: the first day of your birth month.
Medicare Part C
You have an option with Part C, which provides for additional (Advantage Plan) coverage.
When we sit down to discuss your options for Part B, we will also discuss all your options for Parts C and D, and how they will tie together to get you the coverage you need.
You want to get your options right the first time, because you are only guaranteed one-time entry with supplement plans, but can change Advantage plans each year. When you sign up for a Supplement or Advantage plan during your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7 months surrounding your 65th birth month), you are guaranteed coverage. Any future purchases, and most future changes, are subject to underwriting.
Medicare Part D
You have an option to sign up for a standard Rx plan or an Advantage plan that includes Rx coverage. A plan that includes prescription drug coverage is required by law, and if you do not sign up for prescription drug coverage at the same time that you sign up for Part B, you will be penalized with fees for the rest of your life as per Medicare law.