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Medicare eligibility begins at 65, with key deadlines to avoid penalties. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) spans seven months around your 65th birthday; missing it can cause lifetime Part B premium penalties of 10% per year delayed. A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) applies if you had employer coverage. Annual Enrollment (Oct 15-Dec 7) allows changes to Part D or Advantage plans, with penalties for late Part D enrollment. The General Enrollment Period (Jan 1-Mar 31) is a last chance but includes penalties. Meeting deadlines avoids costly lifetime fees.

Medicare offers Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or Medicare Advantage (Part C) for seniors and disabled individuals. Original Medicare covers hospital and outpatient care, with optional Part D for prescriptions and Medigap for extra costs. Medicare Advantage, provided by private insurers, includes additional benefits like dental and vision but may limit provider choice. Enrollment periods and costs vary, with income affecting Part B premiums. Medicare differs from Medicaid, which is income-based.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for those 65+ or with certain disabilities, consisting of Parts A (hospital care), B (doctor visits), C (Medicare Advantage), and D (prescription drugs). Original Medicare includes Parts A and B, with separate Part D and Medigap options. Medicare Advantage combines A, B, and usually D with extra benefits. Costs vary by part, with penalties for late enrollment. Medicare doesn't cover most dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care.

Know the parts: A covers hospital, B covers services, C is Advantage Plans, D covers drugs—choose based on your needs.
Avoid penalties by enrolling during the Initial Enrollment Period or qualifying special periods—mark your calendar and stay informed.
Evaluate costs, coverage, and provider networks across Original Medicare, Advantage Plans, and Medigap to find your best fit.
Contact me to get personalized advice and apply for the right Medicare coverage for you.

Medicare funding is central to the government shutdown, with Senate Republicans and Democrats divided on keeping Medicare and Medicaid fully funded. If Affordable Care Act tax credits expire, 1.6 million New Yorkers could face an average yearly premium increase of $1,360. In some counties, increases could exceed 300%. A single adult in Tompkins County may see premiums rise from $194 to over $800 monthly. Preservation of these credits by November 1 is urged.