Brickhouse Medicare Solutions
YOUR TRUSTED, LOCAL MEDICARE SPECIALIST
FREE, UNBIASED HELP CHOOSING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU
Am I required to sign up for Medicare when I turn 65?
No, you don’t have to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65, but whether you should depends on your situation. Here are the key considerations:
When You Should Enroll at 65
You should sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) (the 7-month window around your 65th birthday) if:
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You aren’t covered by employer-sponsored health insurance (from an employer with 20 or more employees).
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You have retiree health coverage, COBRA, or individual insurance (Medicare usually becomes primary, so delaying could result in coverage gaps and penalties).
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You receive Social Security benefits (you’ll be automatically enrolled in Part A & Part B unless you opt out of Part B).
When You Can Delay Enrollment Without a Penalty
You can delay Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) without penalties if:
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You (or your spouse) are still working and have creditable employer health coverage from a job with 20 or more employees.
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You have Veterans Affairs (VA) coverage (but Medicare can provide additional benefits).
Once you stop working or lose employer coverage, you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up for Part B and 2 months for Part D to avoid late penalties.
Penalties for Late Enrollment
If you don’t qualify for an exception and delay:
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Part B: You’ll pay a 10% penalty for each full year you were eligible but didn’t enroll.
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Part D: A 1% penalty per month of delay may apply if you don’t have creditable drug coverage.
Let me know if you need help deciding based on your specific situation!
When Should I enroll in Medicare?
Enrolling in Medicare depends on your situation and whether you are automatically enrolled or need to sign up. Here’s how it works:
Automatic Enrollment
You’re automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) if:
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You’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits at least 4 months before you turn 65.
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You’ve been getting disability benefits from Social Security or the RRB for 24 months.
If you’re automatically enrolled, you’ll get a Medicare card in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday.
When to Sign Up
If you’re not automatically enrolled, you’ll need to sign up during one of these periods:
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Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
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This is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday:
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3 months before your birthday month
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Your birthday month
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3 months after your birthday month
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Signing up early ensures coverage starts on time.
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Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
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If you’re still working and have health insurance through your or your spouse’s employer, you can delay Medicare enrollment.
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You can sign up within 8 months of losing employer coverage without a penalty.
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General Enrollment Period (GEP)
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If you missed the IEP and don’t qualify for an SEP, you can sign up between January 1 – March 31 each year.
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Coverage starts the following month, and a late penalty may apply.
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How do I enroll in Medicare?
How to Enroll
You may sign up for Medicare up to three months before you would like for it to begin in these ways:
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Online: To enroll online, you will first need to create a Login.gov account.
Enroll in Part A and B online
Enroll in Part B only online
to enroll in part B only you will need these two documents:
CMS-L564---Request for Employment Information
CMS-40B--Application for enrollment in Medicare Part B -
By Phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
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In Person: Visit your local Social Security office
Let me know if you need help with this process
What will it cost to use your services?
My help does not cost you anything. Like all Medicare brokers, I am paid by the insurance company when you enroll in a plan, so you don’t have to pay for my assistance. I work with multiple carriers so that we can find the right fit for you.
How Medicare Brokers Work
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I will help you compare Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D (prescription drug plans).
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I am independent and offer multiple insurance company options, unlike captive agents who work for just one company.
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My commissions are built into the premiums of the plans, so you pay the same price whether you use my help or enroll directly with the insurance company.
Things to Keep in Mind
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A good broker should offer unbiased advice and focus on your best interests
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Independent brokers represent multiple insurance companies, giving you a wider range of options.
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Avoid “captive agents” who only sell plans from one company.
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Make sure whoever you work with is licensed in your state (you can verify this through your state’s insurance department).
A good broker should be educational, not pushy. Ask them:
✔️ Do you represent multiple insurance companies?
✔️ How do you determine the best plan for me?
✔️ Can you compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans?
✔️ Will you continue to assist me after enrollment?
A reliable broker should consider:
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Your doctors & preferred hospitals (to ensure they are in-network).
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Your prescriptions (to find the best Part D or Advantage plan).
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Your budget (to balance premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket costs).
Beware of Red Flags
🚩 They push one company’s plan without discussing alternatives.
🚩 They rush you into signing up.
🚩 They promise “free” Medicare plans (Medicare has costs, even with $0 premium plans).
🚩 They cold-call you (Medicare brokers aren’t allowed to call you unless you request information).
