Don’t let Medicare catch you by surprise! You’ll be able to make the most of your coverage and save on out of pocket expenses if you plan ahead. To help you get a jump start on your planning, we’ll walk you through the Delaware Medicare eligibility requirements for 2023 plans. After reading this short guide, you’ll know when you can enter Medicare and the private Medicare Insurance plan of your choice.

Delaware Medicare Eligibility Requirements For 2023 Plans - The Basics

The most important factor affecting your overall health care plan is your entry into Medicare. Most people are able to save money when they enter Medicare. Usually this is because the premium for coverage is less than they’re currently paying, and also because Medicare is usually more comprehensive in terms of the costs you’ll pay for services - especially when compared to individual health insurance.

Original Medicare is only open to citizens and permanent legal residents of the United States. If one of those conditions applies to you, you can know that you’ll enter the program at some point in time. For those that are eligible, entry into the program is triggered by one of these events:

• Receiving certain disability income for 24 consecutive months
• Being diagnosed with ALS
• Being diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease
• Turning 65 years old

With the first three conditions, there is no age requirement. You’ll enter Medicare no matter how old you are.

For those who get to enter Medicare when turning 65, your window to enroll will actually begin three months before the month you turn 65. This Initial Enrollment Period will close at the end of the third month after you turn 65. If you miss this window, you’ll have to wait until the following January to enroll, unless you have qualifying employer coverage.

Getting Original Medicare is only the first step in implementing your coverage, though. Once you have Medicare, it’s time to add a private plan option.

Delaware Medicare Eligibility Requirements For 2023 Plans - Part D

Part D Prescription Drug Plans have the most relaxed eligibility rules. You only need to be enrolled in either Part A or Part B of Original Medicare. There are no age restrictions.

Delaware Medicare Eligibility Requirements For 2023 Plans - Medicare Advantage

You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan as soon as you’re actively enrolled in both Part A and B. Just like with Part D, there is no minimum age requirement, so you can get Medicare Advantage even if you enter Medicare early.

Delaware Medicare Eligibility Requirements For 2023 Plans - Medicare Supplement Insurance

To get Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap coverage), you also have to be fully enrolled in Parts A and B of Medicare. However, there is no federal requirement that Medigap be available to people under 65 years of age. This rule is set on a state basis. Delaware is one of the states that does require insurance companies to offer Medigap coverage to people under 65 years of age.

However, Delaware doesn't regulate the premiums charged to those under 65. This means that Medigap plans for people under age 65 may be extremely extensive. Once you turn 65 years old, the prices become much more attractive, and you’ll be able to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at that time.