Registration in Medicare

You can enroll in Medicare during the designated enrollment periods. Each one has a specific purpose.

Initial enrollment period (IEP) This is www.myaarpmedicare.com   when you are first eligible to enroll in Medicare. The timing of your personal IEP is based on the date of your 

65th birthday. You can enroll during the 7 month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and end 3 

months after the month you turn 65. If you become eligible due to disability, the time is based on the date of your disability.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) You can enroll in Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) and Part D (Medicare prescription drug plans) between 

October 15 and December 7. You can also change or cancel a Part D plan at this time if you wish. The change will take effect on January 1.

General Enrollment Period (GEP) This is a set period of time for people who did not sign up during their IEP. You can register between January 1 and March 31 of each year. Coverage will begin on July 1. You may have to pay a higher premium for late enrollment.

Special enrollment period (SEP) If you did not enroll in Part A and / or Part B when you were first eligible because you were covered by a group health plan based on your (or your spouse's) current employment, you can Enroll in 

Part A and / or Part B at any time you are still covered by the group health plan or during the 8 month period that begins the month after the end of employment or coverage, whichever occurs first.

What does Medicare Part A cover?

In general, the covers of Part A:

A semi private room and meals.

Laboratory tests, X-rays and radiation treatment as an inpatient

Operations room and recovery room services

Drugs, medical supplies and equipment as an inpatient

Attention in Special Units as Intensive Care

Skilled nursing facility care

Rehabilitation services

Nursing care in the home (as long as custody care is not the only one you need)

Home Health Services

Hospice care