If you’re wondering, “how long does it take for Medicare to take effect,” you’ve come to the right place. Sometimes, Medicare coverage will begin automatically. In other cases, you might have to enroll in Medicare or decide to delay your coverage. Let’s take a closer look at Medicare and how it may affect your unique situation.
Does Medicare Take Effect on Your Birthday?
Generally speaking, Medicare takes effect on your 65th birthday. Speaking of enrollment, you should be aware of the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is 3 months before your birthday, the month of your birthday, and 3 months after your birthday. Of course, there are several special circumstances which may change this.
If you’re still working and receive health insurance through your job or your spouse is working and receives health insurance from their employer, the IEP may not apply to you. In the event an illness or disability makes you eligible for Medicare, your IEP will be seven months.
It will begin three months before your 25th month of collecting Social Security disability benefits. This includes the 25th month and goes on for three more months. Usually, you must collect disability for 24 months in a row to be able to be a candidate for Medicare. Your Medicare coverage will likely begin the 25th month you receive disability.
If you weren’t enrolled in Original Medicare automatically or chose to delay enrollment, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period. The General Enrollment Period is from January 1st through March 31st every year. In this situation, your Medicare plan will take effect July 1st of the year you sign up.
What is the “Birthday Rule” for Medicare Coverage?
Some states have the “birthday rule” for Medicare coverage. Essentially, this is a time period in which you can make changes to your Medicare supplement plan around your birthday on a yearly basis. You may also change plans without going through the underwriting process.
The caveat to this is that the plan you’d like must have benefits that are equal or less to those on your current plan. It’s important to note that birthday rules vary from state to state so you’ll want to find out what they are in your location.
Keep in mind that while you can change your Medicare supplement plan at any point throughout the year, if you try to make a change in a timeframe outside of the birthday rule, you’ll have to be medically eligible for the policy.
What Day of the Month Does Medicare Take Effect?
Typically, your Medicare plan will take effect on the first day of your birthday month. In the event your birthday is on the first day of the month, your coverage will begin the first day of the previous month.
Contact MAIR Agency Today
If you’re interested in learning more about Medicare or would like to find the right health insurance plan for your unique situation, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process.