Enacted in 1965, Medicare is a U.S. government program that provides medical and health-related services for people age 65 and older, people of any age who receive Social Security Disability benefits, and those with kidney failure requiring dialysis.
View our Original Medicare page to find out what you need to know. You can also get a copy of Alight's Guide to Understanding Medicare. It’s available as a downloadable PDF.
You can enroll in Original Medicare during the 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month itself, and the three months after your 65th birthday month. If your birthday is on the first of the month, your Initial Enrollment Period starts 4 months before you turn 65 and ends 2 months after the month you turn 65. People who are Medicare-eligible because they’re on Social Security Disability are subject to different Medicare enrollment rules. Call us at 1-800-350-1470 (TTY 711) for more details, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Central Time.
Enroll through Social Security.
Medicare Parts A and B (assuming you’re enrolled in both) provide coverage for a variety of select health-related services. However, we recommend that you find added coverage to complete your Medicare benefits, since Medicare alone does not limit your annual out-of-pocket expenses and has gaps in coverage that result in direct expenses to you. Alight Retiree Health Solutions can help you understand Original Medicare plus assist you in comparing and enrolling for coverage that offer more comprehensive coverage.
A group health plan is generally offered through an employer or association. Plan choices are usually selected by an employer or association. However, anyone can purchase an individual Medicare plan. If you’re retiring from an employer who provided group health insurance to you, you may have access to more individual Medicare plan options, with more competitive pricing options, depending on where you live.
We offer a wide range of choices, including Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans, Medigap plans, and Medicare prescription drug plans — all offered by nationally known carriers. We can also help you select and enroll in a dental and/or vision plan.
Obtaining Medicare coverage that meets your unique needs may be complicated, and everyone’s needs vary. Our licensed Benefits Advisors will sort through the details with you, help you identify what kinds of coverage work best for you, and help you find and enroll in a plan(s) that aligns with your needs and preferences.
You can confirm your appointment online under the “My Account” tab “Appointments” section of our website or by calling the phone number shown on the appointment mailing you received. You also have the option to reschedule at a time that’s more convenient for you.
No. Our services are provided at no additional cost to you. The only costs you pay are for the coverage you select.
When you first enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) you’ll receive an invoice directly from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency that administers Medicare. If you purchase additional coverage such as a Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap or prescription drug (Part D) plan, you’ll receive invoices from the insurance company that issues the plans. If you choose a Medigap plan, you’ll continue to receive billing for Original Medicare from CMS and separate billing for your Medigap plan from the insurance company.
Initially, you can pay your Medicare Part B premiums by check, Medicare Easy Pay (automatic debit) or with a credit or debit card. If you enroll in additional insurance through Alight Retiree Health Solutions, you pay your premiums directly to your insurance carrier. If you have a reimbursement account (commonly called an HRA) through your employer, you can often use funds in your account to get reimbursed for the cost of your premiums.
The time to enroll in a plan or make changes to your Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) occurs every year from October 15 through December 7. You can evaluate new plans when they are announced on October 1. Changes made during this time become effective on January 1 of the following year.
Alight Retiree Health Solutions is a private exchange that offer plans from more than 100 carriers nationwide. The plans available to you depend on the state and county where you reside.
You’re not required to enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), or any of the additional insurance plans available through Alight Retiree Health Solutions. However, failing to enroll in health care coverage may impact you financially should you require medical treatment. In addition, Medicare charges a penalty if you choose to enroll after your Initial Enrollment Period ends.
