New to 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.

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.

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.