COUNCIL ON AGING - ORANGE COUNTY you turn 65 and you have employer group health coverage, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare until you are no longer working or no longer covered by employer insurance. You will be entitled to a special enrollment period. Check with your employee health benefits coordinator to see if you need to enroll in Medicare. n If you are disabled and have been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for two years, you may be able to enroll in Medicare. n If you are diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) you will also have a special enrollment period. n If you do not enroll in Medicare during your initial enrollment period, you may enroll during the General Enrollment Period of January 1st through March 31st. Medicare will not start until July 1st and you may have to pay a penalty. Do not wait until you are full Social Security retirement age to sign up for Medicare as you may also be charged a penalty for late enrollment. Where do I sign-up for Medicare? Contact the Social Security Administration to sign up for Medicare parts A and B. If you take early Social Security retirement you will receive your Medicare card automatically at age 65. You will have the option not to take Part B if you or your spouse continue to have employer group health insurance coverage. How do I pay for Medicare? If you are receiving Social Security benefits at the time you enroll in Medicare, your Part B premium will be deducted from your monthly check. If you have not begun to receive Social Security yet, you will receive a quarterly bill for your premium. You can pay by check, credit card or a monthly deduction from your bank account. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage (HMO or PPO Plan) or a Part D prescription drug plan that has a monthly premium, typically you will pay the plan directly for that premium. For more information regarding Medicare, coverage options or appeals, contact the Council on Aging - Orange County HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 or visit us on the web: www.coaoc.org. INSURANCE Council On Aging-Orange County | 714-479-0107 | www.coaoc.org Answers Guide 2016 85http://www.coaoc.org http://www.personalmedicareadvisor.com http://www.coaoc.org