CDIS Blog
Simple Steps to Medicare Enrollment & Eligibility
Who qualifies for Medicare?
If you’re 65 or older and have worked (or your spouse has) for at least 10 years paying Medicare taxes, you likely qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A — hospital coverage that includes inpatient care, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health services.
Under 65? You may still qualify if:
You’ve received Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits for 24 months.
You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or need a kidney transplant.
Even if you haven’t paid Medicare taxes, you can usually buy coverage if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
When and how to enroll?
If you’re getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you’re typically enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. You’ll get a welcome packet about three months before your 65th birthday.
Not getting benefits yet? Contact Social Security three months before turning 65 to get started.
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) spans seven months:
Three months before your 65th birthday.
The month of your 65th birthday.
Three months after your 65th birthday.
You can still enroll even if you’re not retiring yet, and you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if certain conditions apply.
Ready to start your Medicare journey?
To speak to an Education Specialist Call 1-855-890-2583 now!
CDIS Blog
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What sets us apart is our commitment to exceptional service and a people-first approach. We believe insurance should be simple, accessible, and stress-free. Our experienced team ensures you understand your options, feel confident in your choices, and receive the best possible support at every stage. Integrity and a genuine dedication to our clients drive everything we do.
A Team You Can Rely On
We’re more than just an insurance agency — we’re your trusted partner, here to help you make informed decisions with confidence. Navigating insurance can be confusing, but with us, it doesn’t have to be. Our team of licensed agents is dedicated to helping you find the best coverage. We take the time to understand your needs so you can feel confident in your choices. Through continuous training and staying current with the industry, we’re committed to providing the guidance and support you deserve.
What You Can Expect from Us:
• A direct connection between you and your insurance provider
• One number for all customer service needs
• Customer Service Advocates who prioritize your best interests
• Personalized support from licensed agents who tailor your coverage
• Clear, straightforward explanations of your insurance options
• Ongoing assistance, education, and follow-up at every stage
• Bilingual support – Spanish-speaking assistance available
Education & Community Support
Our mission extends beyond providing insurance — we’re here to educate and empower our community. We offer resources on key topics like the Medicare 707, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Part D. Our goal is to help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.
Whether you have questions about benefits, plan changes, or need support navigating your policy, our team is here to help. We go beyond the typical insurance agency experience — because you deserve more than just coverage. You deserve real support from people who care.
Not affiliated with the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
CDIS Blog
Your Medicare Readiness Checklist:
Get Ahead 9 to 12 Months Before 65
Confirm your Medicare eligibility by contacting the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
Review your current health insurance policy to understand how your coverage may change when you turn 65.
Start searching additional coverage options to help cover any costs not included in Medicare.
Fine-Tuning Your Options: 4 to 8 Months Before 65
Get familiar with the basics of Medicare: Parts A, B, C, and D.
Check with your doctor to confirm whether they accept Medicare or participate in other Medicare plans.
Explore supplemental coverage options to help with out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by Medicare.
We’re here to help! Call 855-890-2583 to speak with an Education Specialist for expert assistance.
The Home Stretch: 1 to 3 Months Before 65
Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. If you haven’t received your enrollment information, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
Planning to take early Social Security benefits? Sign up now—it may take up to three months to receive them.
Ensure your spouse and/or dependents have alternate coverage once you transition to Medicare.
Let us guide you! Call 855-890-2583 to speak with an Education Specialist about your next steps.
Happy 65th Birthday!
Haven’t received your Medicare card yet? Contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
Provide your doctor’s office with a copy of your Medicare card and any supplemental coverage you’ve enrolled in.
CDIS Blog
Turning 65? It’s time to understand how and when you can enroll in Medicare!
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance): Automatically enrolled at no cost if you’ve worked 10 years and qualify for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
Medicare Part B (medical insurance): Automatically enrolled (with fee), but can opt out. Still working and covered by an employer health plan? Delay Part B without penalty and enroll during a later SEP.
General Enrollment Period (GEP)
Miss your IEP? Sign up for Medicare Parts A and/or B from January 1 – March 31. Coverage begins July 1, but late enrollment penalties may apply.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Experienced a life-changing event (e.g., losing employer coverage, moving, or changes in Medicaid eligibility)? You may qualify for a SEP to enroll outside the standard windows.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
From January 1 – March 31, if you’re enrolled in an MA plan, you can:
• Switch to another MA plan.
• Drop your plan and return to Original Medicare, with the option to add a Medicare Supplement and/or Prescription Drug Plan (PDP).
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
From October 15 – December 7, you can:
• Move from Original Medicare to an MA plan (with or without prescription drug coverage).
• Join, drop, or switch PDPs.
• Switch MA plans or return to Original Medicare (with supplemental coverage options).
Act Early. Stay Covered. Avoid Penalties.
Enroll or make changes before your window closes to ensure coverage starts January 1 of the following year.
Connect with an Education Specialist at 1-855-890-2583 and make your Medicare plan work for you!
CDIS Blog
Like most seniors, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Medicare – you may even know that it’s a federally funded health insurance program. But if you’re not enrolled, you may not understand in detail the different parts of the program and how they work together to provide health insurance coverage. If you’re approaching the age of 65 and interested in learning more about Medicare Part A and Part B, here’s some information to get you started.
Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance
Medicare coverage is divided into several parts, which are differentiated by letters of the alphabet. Medicare Part A is one of the basics, providing hospitalization coverage, including hospital stay, skilled nursing facility care, home health care (skilled nursing, physical therapy), and hospice care. For most people, Medicare Part A is premium-free, meaning there is no charge for coverage as long as you meet a few basic eligibility requirements.
Generally, as long as you are a permanent resident of the United States and you or a spouse paid Social Security taxes while employed, enrollment is automatic. While Medicare Part A is free, there are deductibles and co-insurance that you are responsible for paying.
Medicare Part B – Medical Expenses
Medicare Part B covers expenses that are medically necessary to treat or prevent a disease or condition. Other fees that occur outside of room and board while in the hospital- those related to diagnostic testing, preventative care, and the supplies needed to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Fees for visiting the doctor are also included in Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of approved charges. Part B is not premium-free. The standard Part B premium amount in 2025 is $185 (or higher depending on your income).
References:
www.medicare.gov
MUC26-2017-SSI/CDIS
