Turning 65?

Three Steps for Medicare Success

Timing is everything when it comes to Medicare enrollment. These steps and the timing outlined here are recommended to help ensure a smooth transition to Medicare.

Step #1: Confirm and review

7 to 9 months before your 65^th birthday

• Confirm your eligibility for Medicare benefits by contacting the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can also visit www.ssa.gov .
• Review your current health insurance coverage to find out what happens after you become eligible for Medicare.
• If you are working, contact your Human Resources department for additional guidance.

Step #2: Check providers, learn about Medicare and start shopping

4 to 6 months before your 65^th birthday

• Check with your current doctors to see if they accept Medicare.
• Research Medicare coverage options in your area.
• Take time to learn about how Medicare works.
• Download your free Medicare booklet.
• Start looking at different Medicare health plans.
• Learn if you qualify for any financial assistance with a certain plan.

Step #3: Enroll in Parts A and B and choose other coverage options

3 months before your 65^th birthday

• This is when your Initial Enrollment Period starts.
• Now’s the time to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B.
• If you haven’t received your automatic enrollment packet in the mail, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit www.ssa.gov .
• If you’ve done some shopping and chosen a plan like Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Insurance, now’s the time to enroll in for this coverage as well.

Need help choosing a Medicare plan option from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana?

We’re here to help. Speak to a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana Medicare sales representative at 1-866-940-3022 (TTY 711). We’re open 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., local time, 7 days a week. If you are calling from April 1 through September 30, alternative technologies (for example, voicemail) will be used on weekends and holidays.

After you turn 65

If you are over 65 years old, you are already eligible to enroll in Medicare. So, if you haven’t already, now is the time.

The Initial Enrollment Period ends three months after your birthday month, so don’t delay.

Already a valued member?

Thank you for being our valued member! We are here to help make your transition to Medicare simple and seamless. Answer a few simple questions and we’ll provide you with a personalized timeline. You’ll also receive reminders with important information and actions you can take to stay on track as you near your Medicare eligibility.