Medicare 101
Medicare 101
Our mission is to make Medicare easier to understand and help every client feel informed, supported, and confident in their healthcare coverage decisions. Whether you are turning 65, retiring, helping a loved one, or reviewing your current plan, Almond Insurance is here to guide you through the process.
Our mission is to make Medicare easier to understand and help every client feel informed, supported, and confident in their healthcare coverage decisions. Whether you are turning 65, retiring, helping a loved one, or reviewing your current plan, Almond Insurance is here to guide you through the process.
Are you eligible?
Three quick questions. Real answer at the end — not a sales pitch.
The four parts
A and B are Original Medicare, run by the federal government. C and D are private plans you can add. Click any card.
The windows that matter
Miss an enrollment window and you could face penalties added to your premium for the rest of your life. Here are the dates.
A typical Medicare year
Two key windows repeat every year:
Initial Enrollment Period
7 months around your 65th birthdayStarts 3 months before your birth month, includes your birth month, and continues 3 months after. This is your most important window — do not miss it.
Annual Enrollment Period
Oct 15 – Dec 7 every yearAnyone on Medicare can add, drop, or switch coverage. Changes take effect January 1.
Open Enrollment Period
Jan 1 – Mar 31 every yearIf you're on a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch plans or return to Original Medicare. One change only.
Special Enrollment Period
Triggered by qualifying life eventsMoving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help. Usually a 2-month window.
Medicare Supplement OEP
6 months from your Part B start dateYour one-time guaranteed-issue window. Insurance companies cannot deny you or charge more for pre-existing conditions.
After Employer Coverage
8 months after employer coverage endsIf you delayed Part B because you had qualifying employer coverage, this is your penalty-free window to sign up.
Late penalties are permanent.
Miss an enrollment window without qualifying coverage and Medicare adds a penalty to your premium for life. Here's how it works.
Part B Late Penalty
10% per 12-month period, added permanentlyIf you don't sign up for Part B when first eligible — and you don't have qualifying employer coverage — your monthly premium goes up by 10% for each full 12-month period you delayed.
Part D Late Penalty
1% per month, added permanentlyGo 63 or more consecutive days without Part D or other creditable drug coverage and Medicare adds a penalty for every month you went without.
How to avoid all of it
Enroll on time. Or have us track it.The simplest path: enroll during your IEP, the 7-month window around your 65th birthday. If you have employer coverage past 65, sign up within 8 months of losing it.
Parts A and B leave real gaps. The good news: most of these can be addressed by adding Part C, Part D, or a Medicare Supplement.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Let’s Simplify Medicare Together.
Whether you are turning 65, reviewing your current coverage, comparing prescription drug options, or helping a loved one understand Medicare, Almond Insurance is here to provide clear answers and no-pressure guidance.
Personalized Medicare guidance you can trust. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
6870 Rote Rd # 103, Rockford, IL 61107
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 963-8963
Business hours
monday: 8am - 5pm
tuesday: 8am - 5pm
wednesday: 8am - 5pm
thursday: 8am - 5pm
friday: 8am - 5pm
We may not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent Medicare Advantage organizations which offer different plan options in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), to get information on all of your options.
This website is not an official government website. It is operated by Almond Insurance and is not affiliated with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The information on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor or other healthcare provider for more information about your specific health needs. This website is a solicitation for insurance. By providing us with your contact information, you agree that an authorized representative or licensed insurance agent or producer may contact you by telephone, email, or mail to answer your questions or provide additional information about Medicare Advantage, Part D, or Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.
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