Most people sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) when they're first eligible, typically at age 65. It's important to sign up promptly to avoid gaps in coverage or late enrollment penalties. However, if you're already covered through an employer group health plan, it might make sense to sign up for Medicare later or delay Part B. If you are age 65 or older and receive Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A.

Ways to sign up: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778. Contact your local Social Security office.

When you apply for retirement or disability benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board), it also serves as your application for Medicare. Once you get approved for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll automatically get Part A coverage (without having to pay a premium for it) once you’re eligible for Medicare.

Part A (hospital insurance)Part A helps pay for inpatient care at :Hospitals, Skilled nursing facilities and Hospice.

Part B (medical insurance)Part B helps cover: Services from doctors and other health care providers Outpatient care, Home health care, Durable medical equipment. Some preventive services.

Part C (Medicare Advantage)Part C is known as Medicare Advantage. It’s an alternative to Parts A and B that bundles several coverage types, including Parts A, B, and usually D. It may also include: Vision, Hearing, Dental insurance and more.

Part D (Drug coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines). You join a Medicare stand alone drug plan in addition to Original Medicare, or you get it by joining a Medicare Advantage Plan Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)

A Medicare Advantage Plan includes Part A, B and usually D. Typically they are an HMO which means you work within their network of Doctors. They usually require no monthly premium and can offer many value add benefits.

A Medicare Supplement Plan only covers what Original Medicare Part A and B doesn't cover. Medicare covers up to 80% of Medicare approved services, leaving the patient with the balance owing. A Medigap Plan covers most of what Original Medicare does not cover, however there is a monthly premium which increases annually and does not include a Prescription Plan. It is important to purchase a stand-alone prescription plan to avoid any penalties.

Medicare does not cover you outside the US. However, some Medical Supplement Plans may as a Supplement benefit.

I get paid by the insurance carrier at no cost to you. Even if you go direct to the carrier you will not get a better price. The advantage of dealing with me is I will compare multiple plans for you and you can take advantage of my experience at NO cost. I specialize in Plans specific to California with annual certifications required each year.

A Medicare Broker must undergo rigorous certifications with every carrier and product every year. This is in addition to taking a national test yearly. We also attend many seminars throughout the year and keep current as to Medicare changes and benefits. A Broker is intimately familiar with the Carriers they represent and the plans they offer in your specific geographical location.

No, as long as you have what is called "Credible Coverage", that is coverage that is equal to or greater than Medicare, you are not required to enroll in Medicare. You have the option to remain on your employers plan without receiving a penalty for enrolling after your turn 65. Often people will sign up for Part A as it is of not cost and wait to enroll in Part B and D when they no longer are covered by their employer.