If you are newly enrolled in Medicare, you may enroll during your initial enrollment period - otherwise known as turning 65 - for Medicare. If you do not join during this period, your next chance to join will be during the annual election period (AEP) between October 15 and December 7 each year. There will also be special enrollments periods (SEPs) if you lose coverage from your employer, move to a new state and when a provider goes out of business or is decertified by Medicare.

For assistance in selecting a plan and enrolling, go the Medicare Drug Plan Finder, a website of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

What should we consider while taking Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans. What will be the maximum age limit of taking advantage of such medicare advantage.

This is a great question, a few things to consider if you plan to use a Medicare Supplement. It all boils down to if you are sick or healthy. There is no maximum age limit for Medicare Supplements or Medicare Advantage Plans, but there are penalties for delaying enrollment and going without coverage. Generally if you are over 65 or have a disability - you may qualify for coverage.

Sick: If you are sick a Medicare Supplement may help control costs with predictable monthly premiums and no copays or deductibles.

Healthy: If you are healthy a Medicare Advantage HMO with a low monthly premium may be the best way to save money and still provide medical and even prescription drug coverage. When you are sick, you may pay relatively high copays, but you can always upgrade to a better plan with lower copays during Oct/Dec of each year.


1. Original Medicare: Generally, when you are sick Original Medicare is your most expensive coverage. You can purchase Drug Coverage separately and still remain on Original Medicare for your medical coverage. Only recommended if you are healthy and have a family history of longevity.

2. Medicare Supplement: When you choose a Medicare Supplement this can be your most expensive coverage (Plans A-K). Plus you have to purchase Drug Coverage separately. Recommended if you want predictable monthly costs and the ability to access routine medical care anywhere in the US.

3. Medicare Advantage: A Medicare Advantage HMO plan can save you a significant amount of money. However, PPO and PFFS plans are now almost as costly as a Medicare Supplement. Medicare Advantage HMOs offer great coverage with low monthly premiums and modest out-of-pocket costs. Recommended if you receive all your care within your doctors referral network and only need emergency or urgent care when you travel.

Notes on Medicare Supplements:
a. Medical Coverage Only: You will need to purchase a separate Prescription Drug plan.
b. Know your out-of-pocket costs: Depending on the plan you choose, your premium might not buy you a lot of value when you are sick. A Medicare Advantage HMO may be a better deal.
- choose a Supplement that pays your Part A Coinsurances (20%) and Part B Deductibles ($162)
c. You'll pay more each month for a Supplement, but when your sick your premium pays for everything with very little out-of-pocket costs.