Now is a great time to start learning about Medicare. If you’re covered by your employer’s plan, learn what’s available for retirees and employees 65 and older. If you have an individual or family plan, compare it with available Medicare plans. Download our Medicare Guide (PDF) for an easy-to-follow walkthrough of coverage options, enrollment periods and more.

Review your latest Social Security statement for accuracy, and contact Social Security to confirm your eligibility for Medicare. Visit ssa.gov, or call 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).

It’s time to enroll! Go to ssa.gov or a Social Security office near you to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B. After you sign up for Parts A and B, you can select a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement* or Medicare Rx (Part D) plan. This enrollment period, also known as your Initial Enrollment Period, begins three months before your month of eligibility and ends three months after your month of eligibility. Here, we refer to your month of eligibility as your 65th birthday, but that may be different for you. You can check your eligibility at ssa.gov.

Financial assistance may be available to help pay your Medicare premiums. To see if you qualify, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).

*Medicare Supplement plans from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) allow you to enroll up to six months after your initial enrollment in Medicare Part B, with guaranteed acceptance. Check the plan for more information.

You’re right in the middle of your Initial Enrollment Period. Be sure to sign up for Medicare in the three months before or after your 65th birthday to avoid paying a higher premium. These higher premiums are required by the federal government. If you plan to enroll through an employer plan, there is no penalty for waiting to enroll after the Initial Enrollment Period.

Financial assistance may be available to help pay your Medicare premiums. To see if you qualify, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).

This is your last chance to enroll in Medicare under your Initial Enrollment Period. If you enroll after the Initial Enrollment Period, you may have to pay a higher premium set by the federal government. If you plan to enroll through an employer plan, there is no penalty for waiting to enroll.

Financial assistance may be available to help pay your Medicare premiums. To see if you qualify, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).

After you’ve enrolled in Medicare, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor to establish baseline care. At this visit, you and your doctor will discuss your health and family history, make sure you’re up to date with preventive screenings, and discuss a go-forward approach for your health and wellness. Medicare Advantage members in select areas can enjoy a dedicated team of providers, more time with your doctor, and shorter wait times when choosing an Advanced Primary Care provider with your Medicare Advantage plan.