Contact Jeanne Clark for services in ALL States
Contact Abby Willhoite for services in ME & CT
Connecticut Medicare & Health insurance Agent
Now Licensed in CT, ME, RI, NY and FL.
Contact Jeanne Clark for services in ALL States
Contact Abby Willhoite for services in ME & CT
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Turning 65? Timing Is Everything in Medicare
Timing is the most important factor when first signing up for Medicare to avoid coverage issues and in obtaining the best Medicare plan for your needs and budget. Following is a step-by-step guide for a smooth transition to Medicare while avoiding additional fees and penalties.
Initial Enrollment Period: 7 months, which starts 3 months before your 65th birthday, and includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after your 65th birthday.
01.
Review Needs
Make a list of your healthcare costs and needs, including regular health maintenance visits, specialists you see, prescription drug costs and any procedures you know you will need.
02.
Review Providers
Do your current healthcare providers accept Medicare? While most do, some doctors opt out of Medicare and are not required to follow Medicare rules, which could cost you.
03.
Review Basics
Take time to understand Medicare. Selecting the wrong coverage can cost you! Visit our Medicare Resources page for descriptions and videos on all the parts of Medicare.
04.
Review Us
We’ll do the hard work for you, helping you to add up all your costs (copays, premiums, etc.) so you can pick the best option. Our guidance is provided at no cost and no obligation!
Jeanne Clark of Diversified Group Health Services advises and guides individuals through the process of transitioning to Medicare. She can help you select the right coverage for your needs.
- (860) 886-5126
Abby Willhoite joined the team in early 2022 and helps support clients with ongoing service, along with providing professional advice to those seeking Medicare enrollment and coverage changes during Annual Enrollment.
- (860) 886-5126
05.
Enroll in Medicare
For most people, Medicare is not automatic. You need to enroll in original Medicare (Parts A & B) before you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan. To enroll, you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility. Some acceptable documents are birth certificate, proof citizenship if not born in the US, W-2 or tax forms, and or military records.
You can apply online or call your local Social Security office. You’ll enroll, create your Medicare account, track your Medicare information such as bills, claims, health information and more, as well as print your Medicare card.
Questions You May Have About Enrolling In Medicare
Can my spouse and I enroll together in a Medicare Plan?
Medicare does not have spousal or dependent coverage. Medicare is individual. If your spouse has reached age eligibility (65), then they can enroll in Medicare of their own accord 90 days in advance of the month they turn 65.
I'm 65, but still working with employer coverage. Do I have to enroll in Medicare?
If you are still receiving work benefits, you still have the option of enrolling in Medicare Part A during your initial enrollment age. For most people the Part A premium is free. Also, keep in mind that Medicare is not automatic (as discussed above) so you will need to enroll yourself when your enrollment period begins. It’s important to note that you can only delay enrolling in Part B and Part D without incurring late enrollment penalties if you have creditable coverage from your employer, or your spouses employer. Creditable coverage requires that If the employer group has 20 eligible employees or more, then you may be able stay on that plan. There are many things to consider and you should talk to a professional to make sure you are making the right moves.