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You should enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts 3 months before your 65th birthday and lasts 3 months after. Missing this window could result in late enrollment penalties and coverage delays

If you have creditable employer coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and can delay Medicare Part B without penalties. However, if your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes primary, and you should enroll to avoid gaps in coverage.

Original Medicare (Part A & B) does not cover routine dental or vision care, but Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans often include dental, vision, and hearing benefits. You can also purchase standalone dental and vision insurance for additional coverage.

Yes! You can switch Medicare plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) (October 15 – December 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31). If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), you may change plans outside these windows.

Item descriptionYes! If you delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without creditable coverage, your premium increases by 10% for each full year you were eligible but didn’t enroll. Part D (prescription drug coverage) also has a 1% monthly penalty if you go 63+ days without creditable drug coverage.