Most people sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) when they're first eligible, typically at age 65. It is important to sign up promptly to avoid gaps in coverage or late enrollment penalties. However, if you're already covered through an employer group health plan, it might make sense to sign up for Medicare later or delay Part B. If you are age 65 or older and receive Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A.

Ways to sign up: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778. Contact your local Social Security office.

When you apply for retirement or disability benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board), it also serves as your application for Medicare. Once you get approved for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll automatically get Part A coverage (without having to pay a premium for it) once you’re eligible for Medicare.

Part A (hospital insurance)Part A helps pay for inpatient care at :Hospitals, Skilled nursing facilities Hospice.

Part B (medical insurance)Part B helps cover: Services from doctors and other health care providers Outpatient care, Home health care, Durable medical equipment. Some preventive services.

Part C (Medicare Advantage)Part C is known as Medicare Advantage. It’s an alternative to Parts A and B that bundles several coverage types, including Parts A, B, and usually D. It may also include: Vision, Hearing, Dental insurance.

Part D (Drug coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines). You join a Medicare drug plan in addition to Original Medicare, or you get it by joining a Medicare Advantage PlanMedicare Advantage Plan (Part C)

Review my sections on Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplements. Call me with any questions John Murray 949 310 1675

Medicare does not cover you outside the US. However, some Medical Supplement Plans may as a supplement benefit.

I get paid by the insurance carrier at no cost to you. Even if you go direct to the carrier you will not get a better price. The advantage of dealing with me is I will compare multiple plans for you and you can take advantage of my experience at NO cost.

A Medicare Broker must undergo rigorous certifications with every carrier and product every year. This is in addition to taking a national test yearly. We also attend many seminars throughout the year and keep current as to Medicare changes and benefits.

No, as long as you have what is called "Credible Coverage". That is coverage that is equal to or greater than Medicare