Medicare Initial Enrollment Period
Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan that gives you access to your Sutter doctors.
Sutter works with eHealth, a licensed insurance agency, to help you compare your plan options and enroll you when you’re eligible.
Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period
If you're turning 65, your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is your first chance to sign up for Medicare. It starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. That’s a 7-month window to get the coverage you need.
If you miss this window, you could face late enrollment penalties that might apply for as long as you have Medicare. These penalties vary by each part — Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D all have different rules. Learn more about Medicare late-enrollment penalties.
Considering Retirement?
If you’re planning to retire after 65 and have coverage through your employer, you may not need to sign up for Medicare right away. But once your job or health coverage ends (whichever comes first), you have 8 months to enroll. Missing this deadline could lead to lifetime penalties.
You may also qualify for Medicare before age 65 if you meet certain criteria like having a disability. Visit SSA.gov or contact your local Social Security office for more info.
Choose Medicare Advantage
These plans combine your Medicare Part A (hospital coverage), Medicare Part B (medical coverage) and Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) into one plan. These all-in-one plans can include:
- Additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare
- Coverage that doesn’t vary premiums based on age
- Limits on deductibles, copays and coinsurance
- No denial of coverage due to pre-existing conditions
If you want to keep seeing your Sutter doctors, be sure to choose a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes them.
Attend a Medicare-Related Event
Licensed insurance agents host informational events to help you understand your Medicare coverage options. They represent all Medicare Advantage Plans accepted by Sutter in your county.
One-on-One Support
Fill out our secure form to have a licensed insurance agent contact you. They can answer your Medicare plan questions and help you enroll if you choose.
Disclaimer
This is not an advertisement on behalf of any Medicare Advantage Plan or plans. For information about Medicare, visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE 24 hours a day, seven days a week. TTY Users should call 1-877-486-2048. eHealth is an insurance agency offering plans from many insurance companies and is not affiliated with the government. Sutter Health co-hosted events are not affiliated with eHealth or the government. For accommodation of persons with special needs at events, call 1-800-478-8837 (TTY 711). Enrollment in a plan may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a special enrollment period or you’re in your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period.
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