Medicare Enrollment Guide: Key steps for seniors and those with disabilities

RACINE, WI — As people age, having reliable health insurance becomes increasingly important. For many, Medicare provides essential coverage, but the enrollment process can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know to get started with Medicare enrollment.

Eligibility for Medicare Enrollment Medicare is generally available to people aged 65 and older. However, individuals under 65 may also qualify if they have certain disabilities, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov). SSDI recipients must typically wait two years for Medicare unless they have ALS.

The Four Parts of Medicare Medicare is divided into four parts:

Part A : Covers hospital insurance, including inpatient hospital stays, care in skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B : Helps cover services, such as doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services. Part C (Medicare Advantage) : An alternative to Parts A and B, offered by private companies that contract with Medicare. These plans often include extra benefits like vision, hearing, or dental care, but may come with different out-of-pocket costs. Part C plans may require you to use a network of doctors. Medicare Advantage plans often include a maximum out-of-pocket limit, which Parts A and B do not have. Part D : Provides prescription drug coverage. Medicare Enrollment Facts For most, enrollment in Medicare is automatic if you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits at least four months before turning 65. Once eligible, you’ll automatically get Part A coverage without paying a premium. (If someone hasn’t paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, however, they may have to pay a premium for Part A.)

Part B enrollment is also automatic unless you opt-out due to its monthly premium.

If you’re not receiving Social Security benefits by age 65, you will need to manually apply for Medicare. You can begin the application process through the Social Security Administration website or by visiting a local office.

Medicare Enrollment Key Dates Medicare’s annual open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. During this time, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage, including switching between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, or changing your Part D plan.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Racine County (ADCRC) offers additional resources for local residents. You can call the center at (262) 833-8777 for a referral to a benefits specialist or visit the ADCRC website for video guides that walk seniors through the enrollment process and explain how to make the most of their Medicare benefits.

Read more articles in our Aging Well section .

Join us Oct. 22 for Aging Well: A Comprehensive Senior Resource Fair, a free event designed for seniors, caregivers, friends, and family members

Plan ahead: Before a crisis hits: Aging Well events help Racine County families plan for care, Medicare and safety

What else you should know SUPPORT OUR WORK Stories like this hold leaders accountable. We fact-checked GOP lawmakers' claims, analyzed the county budget, and gave you the whole picture — not just the headlines. Support independent journalism for $2/week.

Medicare Enrollment Guide: Key steps for seniors and those with disabilities

Comments