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Approaching Medicare
What you need to know about Medicare as you near 65 or are newly eligible
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Enrolling In Medicare
Discover how Medicare works with other types of health insurance you may have, how to find your best plan and sign up for it and when you can change your mind.
About Medicare
AI-powered help from trusted AARP sources.
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What to Know Before Sign-Up
Whether you’re still working or are retired, learning about Medicare before you turn 65 is important.
You or your spouse may still have insurance from an employer. Even so, signing up for Part A as a supplement is smart because the premiums are free if you or your mate has worked the equivalent of 10 years and paid Medicare taxes.
Learn how to create online accounts to sign up and manage your Medicare information, why you might be eligible earlier than 65 and how to get personalized help from professionals.
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Series
Signing Up for the First Time
Most people sign up for at least one part of Medicare during their seven-month initial enrollment period, but that’s not the only time you can do it.
You can’t enroll whenever you please and sometimes being late means paying penalties. So you’ll want to know the ins and outs of the program to prevent problems later.
Every person has different needs. That’s why so many options are available. You can learn how to sort through the alternatives, pick the best for you and sign up for what you want.
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AARP Navigator
Medicare Initial Enrollment
This customizable online program simplifies Medicare, empowering AARP members to make informed decisions with confidence and receive support throughout the process.
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On Changing Medicare Plans
Whether you choose original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, you can’t set it and forget it.
Doctors leave a Medicare Advantage plan network. Insurers drop your prescription from their list of approved drugs. Sometimes you may be so unhappy that you want to start all over again.
Sometimes you can. Medicare gives you a chance to look at Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans in your area during its annual open enrollment season. And you may be eligible to change outside of that timeframe.
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On-Demand Webinar
A Seamless Medicare Transition: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Join us for a free informative webinar designed to help you navigate your Medicare transition with clarity and confidence. Hear from experts who cut through the confusion to give you direct answers and straightforward guidance so you can make the best decisions for you.
On-Demand Webinar
Join us for a free informative webinar focused on common Medicare questions, so you can make the right choices and avoid costly mistakes. An expert panel will provide answers and insights across the categories of Coverage, Care and Cost. We’ll discuss what’s covered (and what’s not), how the different parts work, what counts towards your deductible and much more.
On-Demand Webinar
Whether you’re approaching Medicare initial enrollment or are preparing for open enrollment, knowing your options and how your lifestyle fits in, may help you make Medicare decisions that meet your healthcare needs. Join our free webinar to hear from experts, and explore resources to learn more about your options so you can make an informed decision.
On-Demand Webinar
Whether you recently turned 65, or that magic age is quickly approaching, there are some important healthcare decisions you need to make. Medicare will cover the majority of your healthcare costs for the rest of your life, but you need to sign up for it during your enrollment window. Join us for a free webinar to explore essential questions and learn how Medicare works so you can make the best decisions for your healthcare needs.
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Medicare and Other Coverage
Are you a veteran, retired government employee or someone who benefits from private-sector retiree health insurance?
Medicare can work with all of those plans. It also pairs well with Medicaid if you have limited resources.
But if you or your spouse left a job recently and you were offered a continuation of your old insurance through COBRA, watch out. It’s complicated. You’ll need help to navigate through and avoid any pitfalls, penalties and coverage gaps.
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Getting Help
Learn about covering costs, filing appeals, and avoiding common mistakes
