Medicare Easy for Family Caregivers

Family Caregivers FAQ

• When can I enroll my beneficiary in Medicare?

  Once your beneficiary is eligible for Medicare, you can help them enroll during one of the following enrollment periods:
  
  Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) - Begins 3 months before their 65th birthday and ends 3 months after their 65th birthday.
  
  General Enrollment Period (GEP) - Annually from January 1st - March 31st
  
  Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) - Annually from October 15th - December 7th
  
  Medicare Supplement Enrollment Period - Begins the month your beneficiary turns 65 and lasts a period of 6 months.
  
  Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period - Annually from January 1st - March 31st
  
  Special Enrollment Period (SEP) - Only applies to qualifying circumstances and typically lasts 60 days.
  
  To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods, visit our Family Caregiver Enrollments page.

• How do I enroll my beneficiary in Medicare?

  Once you’ve identified the best Medicare plan for your beneficiary’s needs, the next step is enrolling them in coverage during the appropriate enrollment period. For a comprehensive list of eligibility deadlines and enrollment periods, view our Family Caregiver Medicare guides.
  
  For help enrolling your beneficiary, we’re here to assist you completely free of charge. Call our dedicated Family Caregiver line, or schedule an appointment to talk to a licensed agent at your convenience.

• When can my beneficiary change Medicare plans?

  Your beneficiary is only able to join, switch, or drop your Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plan during the following enrollment periods:
  
  Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) - Begins 3 months before their 65th birthday and ends 3 months after their 65th birthday.
  
  Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) - Annually from October 15th - December 7th
  
  Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period - Annually from January 1st - March 31st
  
  Special Enrollment Period (SEP) - They may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you lose or need to alter their Medicare plan due to certain life events and circumstances, such as a change in residence. If they lose coverage, the typical period of eligibility lasts 60 days.

• What benefits do I get as a caregiver?

  If you’re one of the estimated 44 million Americans who care for an elderly, disabled, or ill loved one, you understand the difficulties of caring for yourself in addition to your beneficiary. The good news is, there are multiple resources available to help you find physical and emotional support. We recommend you begin your search with The National Alliance for Caregiving which offers numerous resources to those in a caregiving role.

• What should I consider before choosing a Medicare plan for my beneficiary?

  In addition to costs and coverage, finding a Medicare plan to fit your beneficiary’s needs should be one of your top priorities. Plans come in a variety of shapes and sizes - from plans tailored for fixed-income, to plans which include medical supplies and equipment, or out-of-network coverage benefits. Some of your most important considerations for your beneficiary’s coverage should include; Costs, Coverage, Doctor and Hospital Choice, Prescription Drugs, Your Other Coverage, Quality of Care, and Travel.

• What are the choices for Medicare coverage?

  When your beneficiary first enrolls in Medicare, and during certain enrollment periods throughout the year, they choose how they will receive Medicare coverage. The 2 primary choices for Medicare coverage are Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). For additional coverage, some people elect to enroll in Medicare drug coverage (Part D) or Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap).

• What's the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

  Original Medicare consists of Parts A and B, and is the traditional program offered directly through the federal government.
  
  Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies who contract with the federal government to provide Medicare benefits.
  
  With original Medicare, you can go to any doctor or facility that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans have fixed networks of doctors and hospitals for you to visit. Learn about the other key differences in coverage on our blog post, or if you have questions, call our dedicated team of experienced Medicare professionals.