How to Enroll in Medicare

Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. You can enroll as early as three months prior to your 65th birthday or as late as three months after. If you join during one of the three months before you turn 65, coverage will begin the first day of your birthday month. If you join during the month you turn 65 or during one of the three months after, coverage will begin the first day of the month following enrollment.

You should generally enroll in Medicare part A at age 65. However, you may want to delay enrolling in part B if you still have other health coverage through an employer, a spouse's/partner's employer, or another source.

For more information, please visit Social Security Administration's website.

How to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan

After you are enrolled in original Medicare, you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage part C plan or prescription drug plan (part D). Medicare Advantage plans are provided by private insurance companies, so coverage can vary – make sure you review your options thoroughly before enrolling. Read “Medicare Basics” and “Torrance Memorial IPA Health Plan Partners” to help find a coverage option right for you.

Once you’re ready to enroll, we recommend contacting a licensed, local agent familiar with Torrance Memorial IPA by calling our Senior Health Insurance Resource Center.

When does my Medicare Advantage coverage begin?

Your coverage for Medicare Advantage will begin depending on when you enroll:

• If you're turning 65 (during your initial enrollment period) or leaving your employer group, coverage will begin on the date you indicate on your enrollment form

• If you enroll during the Medicare annual enrollment period (AEP) between October 15 – December 7, your coverage will begin January 1

• If you enroll during the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period (OEP) between January 1 – March 31, your coverage will begin the first of the month following the month you signed up