Find the right Medicare plan for your needs

To enroll in Medicare, you’ll need a few key documents:

• Your birth certificate to verify your age and determine your eligibility for Medicare based on your date of birth.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency to confirm your legal status in the U.S. and qualify for Medicare benefits.
• Your Social Security card to link your Social Security number to your Medicare coverage and verify eligibility.
• Your current health insurance information to understand how Medicare will coordinate with any existing coverage.
• Tax information to verify your income and work history, which may impact your Medicare eligibility and premium rates.
• Military documents, if applicable, to confirm your military service and eligibility for special Medicare benefits.

To learn about all the necessary paperwork and the enrollment process, read our full article.

Medicare is available to:

• U.S. citizens aged 65 or older 
• People under 65 with disabilities 
• Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) 
• Those who have worked long enough to qualify for Social Security

Most people need to sign up manually for Medicare when they turn 65, but if you receive Railroad Retirement or Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B.

For more details about when and how to enroll, and if you’re eligible for automatic enrollment, read our full article.

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A seven-month window starting three months before your 65th birthday and ending three months after. You can sign up for Medicare Parts A and B during this time. 
• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Occurs from October 15 to December 7 each year. You can review and make changes to your Medicare plans, including switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage or changing your prescription drug coverage. 
• Open Enrollment Period (OEP): From January 1 to March 31 each year. You can change your Medicare Advantage plan, switch back to Original Medicare, or adjust your drug coverage.

Missing the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) doesn’t mean you’re out of options. You can still make changes during other enrollment periods, such as the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) and the General Enrollment Period (GEP).

Additionally, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) based on life events, like moving or losing employer coverage.

It’s also worth noting that the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP), from January 1 to February 14, allows you to return to Original Medicare and join a standalone Part D plan.

For a full guide to your next steps, read our full article.

Though both Medicare and Medicaid provide healthcare assistance, they serve different populations and have distinct purposes.

Medicare is a federally funded program for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as younger people with disabilities. Medicaid, on the other hand, is designed for low-income individuals and families, regardless of age.

For a deeper dive into their coverage, eligibility, and costs, read our full article.