Once you’re eligible for Medicare you’ll want to know how to apply for Original Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Part D (prescription drug coverage). Here is how each works.
Apply for Original Medicare
If you are not automatically enrolled in Medicare you’ll want to apply by going to the Medicare application on the Social Security website. It’s much easier than filling out a paper application or going to the Social Security office. Once you’re enrolled in Medicare you have an option of Medigap or Medicare Advantage; you can NOT be enrolled in both.
Option 1: Apply for Medigap
If you want to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, aka Medigap, to cover such things as Original Medicare’s deductibles, coinsurance, copays, and extends hospitalization stays, click here to get a Medicare Supplement instant quote or if you’re ready to enroll click here to get a Medigap Application.
Not all Medigap plans are available through an online application.
Chose a Medigap plan but need a change? If you’re within six months of your Part B effective date, approval is guaranteed. If your Open Enrollment has ended, check if the Birthday Rule or another state law applies. Otherwise, switching might mean going through health screening. Our AI Medigap Underwriting Checker can help, or you can call us.
Option 2: Apply for Medicare Advantage
If you have decided to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that takes over your Part A and B coverage (except for Hospice, Original Medicare covers Hospice care), you’ll want to call the number above to learn about plans available in your area. The reason there isn’t an online quote tool is because MA plans are not standardized and coverage may vary greatly.
At this time you should ask which plans cover drug coverage or if you need a separate drug plan.
Additional Coverage: Apply for Drug Plan
If you have decided to enroll in a prescription drug plan read our article: How to Enroll or Switch Medicare Drug Plans: Step-by-Step Guide to Part D Enrollment.
💡 Heads up: Senior65.com does not enroll clients in Part D. We’re here to help with Medigap—start with our Medigap Quote System.