Medicare and Medicaid are both government-sponsored programs designed to help people with healthcare costs, but they serve different populations and have different funding sources. Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, some younger people with disabilities and people with ALS or end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program providing health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Eligibility and benefits can vary significantly from state to state because states have some flexibility in how they administer their Medicaid programs. Additionally, Medicare is primarily funded by the federal government, while Medicaid is jointly funded by federal and state governments.

You’ll sign up for Medicare through the Social Security Administration. You can sign up for Parts A and B, or Part A only.

You can sign up online at the Social Security website here.

By phone 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)

Or in person at your nearest local office

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):

Begins three months before you turn 65

Includes your birthday month

Lasts for three months after your birthday month

Ideal time to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B without penalties

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP):

Runs from October 15 to December 7 each year

Can make as many changes between that time frame

Carriers release new plans and benefits

Good time to review coverage with your agent to see if any savings available

General/Open Enrollment Period (GEP/OEP):

Runs from January 1 to March 31 each year

Option for those who missed their initial/annual enrollment period to sign up or make changes

Special Enrollment Period (SEP):

Available for specific life events like losing other health coverage or moving

Offers flexibility to enroll outside of the Initial Enrollment Period without penalties

Requires documentation to prove eligibility

Click on the visual or click here to go to the official medicare website to see cost breakdown.