Finding health insurance for disabled citizens under the age of 65 requires research and time. Medicare makes this process easier for its disabled members by providing health insurance plans all under one umbrella program. 

Medicare enrollment is not the same for all four parts, but it is similar. It is important to sign up for Medicare Parts A through D during designated enrollment periods to avoid paying late fees and experiencing dangerous coverage delays.

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How to Enroll In Medicare If You Are Under 65 Years Old
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Medicare age limitations are not applicable to many people with serious disabilities. Therefore the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare might not apply to you or your enrollment process. People under 65 with disabilities have the option of enrolling online or in person at any local Social Security office. 

If online enrollment is not available, contact your local Social Security Office at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for additional enrollment options.

There are four enrollment periods pursuant to all four Medicare parts. It is especially important to enroll in Medicare Part B during an IEP to avoid the hefty late-enrollment fees charged when choosing a delayed enrollment. The four Medicare enrollment periods are as follows:

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begins seven months before your sixty-fifth birthday and lasts three months past it.
  • General Enrollment: Held for Medicare Advantage plans from January 1 through March 31 of each year.
  • Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Held for people missing their IEP due to already having private health insurance at that time; SEPS are scheduled annually between February 15 and May 15.
  • Open Enrollment: Held for making changes to existing Medicare plans including Medicare Advantage plans from October 15 through December 7 of each year. 

Medicare applicants are required to already have an open account with the SSA. SSDI recipients are required to include all relative SSDI documents when enrolling in Medicare. Additional required enrollment documents and information include proof of residence, proof of citizenship, your Social Security Number (SSN), driver’s license, telephone number and valid permanent resident card number when applicable.

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Updated on 05/25/2022