ENROLLING IN MEDICARE OR CHANGING YOUR PLAN

While age and relocation are common triggers for Medicare enrollment, life's unpredictability means there are other special circumstances that can affect your Medicare choices. Recognizing and understanding these can ensure you get the coverage you need when you need it.​

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Disability: Individuals under 65 with certain disabilities can qualify for Medicare after receiving disability benefits from Social Security or certain disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board for 24 months.

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Medical Disorders: People of any age diagnosed with specific disorders (for instance, ESRD)  are eligible for Medicare. Or individuals diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B the month their disability benefits begin.

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Loss of Employer Coverage: If you're over 65 and lose the health coverage you had through your job (or a spouse's job), you have a Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare Part B.

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Retirement: If you worked past 65 and had health coverage through your employer, you might decide to enroll in Medicare upon retirement. This is especially important to note as if you do not file certain paperwork within a given time period, you may risk incurring a penalty for late-enrollment that can   follow you for life.