Signing up for Medicare in 4 steps, without lifetime penalties

The 7 months around 65 matter most. Free help, in English or Chinese, to sort out your timing and choices.

Choose a time for free help Call (848) 313-6723

Connie Zhang · Licensed independent broker in New Jersey

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 5 organizations which offer 50 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to get information on all of your options.

Step 1: Do I sign up myself?

If you've received Social Security retirement benefits for at least 4 months before 65, you're enrolled in Parts A and B automatically, and your card arrives about 3 months before coverage starts. If you haven't started Social Security, you must sign up yourself.

Step 2: When?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is 7 months: 3 months before your birthday month, the month itself, and 3 months after. Sign up before your birthday month, and coverage starts the month you turn 65. Sign up in or after that month, and it starts the next month.

Best: sign up in the 3 months before your birthday month.

Step 3: How?

· Online: ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up (fastest)

· Phone: 1-800-772-1213, Mon–Fri 8 am–7 pm (TTY 1-800-325-0778)

· In person at a local Social Security office (book ahead)

Step 4: Choose your coverage

Once you have Parts A and B, there's one more big choice: Original Medicare plus a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and a drug plan (Part D), or a Medicare Advantage plan. Medigap has a 6-month open enrollment period that starts the month you're 65 and have Part B. This is the part I can help you compare.

Still working at 65?

If you (or your spouse) are still working with employer group health coverage, you can delay Part B without a penalty. Sign up for Part B within 8 months after the job or the coverage ends.

Late penalties last for life

Part B: 10% more on the premium for each full 12 months you were late.

Part D: after more than 63 days without drug coverage, 1% of the national base premium for each month late, added to every monthly premium. People who qualify for Extra Help don't pay the Part D penalty.

Free help

Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 (free interpreters, including Mandarin and Cantonese). NJ SHIP gives free, unbiased Medicare counseling: 1-800-792-8820.

How Connie Zhang can help

Licensed independent insurance broker in New Jersey, with about 10 years of experience in the life and health insurance industry. A free 30-minute call, in English or Chinese, to confirm your timing and compare Medigap, drug plans and Medicare Advantage from 5 companies. No obligation.

1. Choose a time: pick a convenient 30-minute slot.

2. Fill in the Scope of Appointment form: a short form Medicare requires, about 2 minutes.

Fill in the Scope of Appointment form here →

3. Connie calls you, in English or Chinese.

Choose a time for free help Call (848) 313-6723 Higher income? Learn about the IRMAA surcharge →Want the basics first? Read our Medicare guide →

我们不提供您所在地区的所有计划。目前我们代理 5 家保险机构，在您所在地区提供 50 种产品。如需了解您的所有选择，请访问 Medicare.gov 或致电 1-800-MEDICARE（TTY 1-877-486-2048），每周 7 天、24 小时服务。

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.