Entering Medicare should be a cause for celebration since the coverage is designed to be both affordable and comprehensive. To get the most out of your rights and benefits, you’ll want to have a strategic plan for when you’ll get Medicare and what private options you’ll add to your coverage. In this article, we’ll look at the Montana Medicare eligibility rules and regulations.

Montana Medicare Eligibility For Part A And B

The foundation of your Medicare planning needs to be based on the timing of your entry into the program. If you know for sure when you’re going to enter, you’ll be able to prepare in advance, allowing you to research the specifics of the coverage and the various private Medicare plans available to you.

Eligibility and entry are two different aspects of Original Medicare. If you’re not eligible to participate, you’ll never enter the program. However, just because you’re eligible, that doesn’t mean that you get to enter right away.

The basic rule for eligibility is related to citizenship; if you are a citizen of the United States, or a permanent legal resident, you are eligible to receive Medicare benefits. For everyone who’s eligible to participate, there will be an enrollment trigger - an event that allows them to get into Medicare and begin using their benefits.

There are a total of four events that can trigger your entry into Part A and B:

• Turning 65 years old

• Getting diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

• Getting diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease

• Receiving federal disability income for 24 consecutive months

If the triggering event is diagnosis of illness or disability, you’ll be able to enter Medicare as soon as you meet those criteria; your age doesn’t matter. In addition, your enrollment into Medicare will be automatic in these cases.

On the other hand, if the triggering event is turning 65, you may have to enroll in Parts A and B manually. If you decide to take Social Security income at or before age 65, you’ll enter Medicare automatically at 65. However, if you delay your Social Security benefits past 65, you will need to sign up for Medicare manually. The easiest way to do this is online through the Social Security Administration’s website.

When you turn 65, it’s possible to delay your enrollment into Part B if you’re still working and covered by an employer health insurance plan. When your employment or coverage comes to an end, you’ll have the chance to enroll at Part B.

Montana Medicare Eligibility For Medicare Supplement Insurance

Many people choose to add Medicare Supplement Insurance to their Medicare coverage. In order to do this, you’ll have to be actively enrolled in both Parts A and B of Original Medicare. If you enter Medicare at age 65, you’ll have no problem enrolling in a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan.

However, it can be difficult and expensive to get Medicare Supplement coverage if you start Medicare before age 65. If you meet Montana Medicare eligibility early, due to illness or disability, you might want to look at other private options, like Part D drug plans or Part C Medicare Advantage plans.