New to Medicare

If you're new to Medicare, follow these steps:

1. Enroll in Medicare: Contact the Social Security Administration to enroll online or visit your local Social Security office to enroll in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. You have a seven-month window to enroll without incurring a penalty
2. Working Past 65?: If you have health insurance from your employer or a spouse’s employer, you may be able to delay Medicare without a penalty. Check with your employer to understand your current coverage and costs, then compare these to Medicare to decide which is right for you
3. Medicare has two basic options: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with a Part D Drug Plan and an optional Medicare Supplement Plan, OR you may choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan with or without drug coverage
4. Visit Medicare.Gov and NC SHIIP websites to learn about the The Road to Medicare (PDF) and Medicare Basics (PDF)
5. Attend one of our Welcome to Medicare Classes or schedule an appointment to meet with a Certified SHIIP Counselor to discuss your specific situation

Appointments

Make an appointment with a Certified SHIIP Counselor for free, unbiased help with all of your Medicare questions. Use our online scheduling system or call 919-245-4274.