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!

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

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.