New to Medicare

Are you starting Medicare soon?

Starting Medicare can be complicated. Missouri SHIP is here to help! Our trained Missouri SHIP counselors can help you through every step of the process. They will answer your questions, help you decide what works best for your budget and medical needs, and help you fill out paperwork. They can even check if you qualify for programs to save you money!

Contact us today!

Most people can enroll in Medicare when they turn 65.

You can also join if you:

  • Receive Social Security disability checks for 24 months

OR

  • Have permanent kidney failure, known as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

OR

  • Have Lou Gehrig’s Disease, known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Common Questions

When should I enroll in Medicare?”

Most people can start Medicare when they turn 65. This is called an “Initial Enrollment Period.” It is seven months long: The three months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the three months after you turn 65. Missouri SHIP’s trained Medicare counselors can help you with any questions and paperwork you have during your Initial Enrollment Period.

If you have certain conditions or get Social Security Disability, your Initial Enrollment Period might be sooner. Talk to one of our counselors to find out!

Signing up for Medicare and making decisions during your Initial Enrollment Period is very important. If you don’t, you might have to pay fees and penalties. Our counselors can explain the deadlines and tell you what to do so you do not miss the deadline.

I missed my initial enrollment period. Now what?

Contact Missouri SHIP right away! If you did not sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period. This takes place every year from January 1–March 31. Coverage will begin July 1.

When can I make changes to my Medicare plan?

The main time to make changes is during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, October 15- December 7. It is essential to check your plan every year because it can change. If it does, your medications could get more expensive, or you could have to change pharmacies. A Missouri SHIP counselor can help you check for these changes and enroll in a different plan if needed.

A Missouri SHIP counselor can help you find out if you qualify to make changes outside of Medicare Open Enrollment.

Contact us today!

Special Enrollment Periods

There are Special Enrollment Periods for special circumstances. You can make changes if:

  • You move to a location your plan does not cover.

OR

  • You qualify for extra help to pay for Medicare prescription drug coverage.

OR

  • Your plan decides to leave the Medicare program or reduce its service area at the end of the year.

There are other reasons you can get a Special Enrollment Period. A Missouri SHIP counselor can help you determine when to make changes.