Retiring after 65?
Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan centered on you.
What to expect
If you are 65 or older and have been covered under your employer’s health plan, your spouse’s plan, or a Marketplace plan, you can still enroll in Medicare up to two months after your current coverage ends.
It’s important to understand your healthcare choices so you can ensure you have the right coverage for your lifestyle. Mass General Brigham Health Plan is here to support you with helpful information and Medicare Advantage plans.
Preparing to sign up for Medicare
As soon as you know when you are going to retire or no longer receive your current coverage, start gathering information to ensure you get the coverage you need. Walk through our step-by-step timeline to set yourself up for success.
-
Before you retire
- Learn about Medicare and the different types of plans. Start here.
- Talk to your employer about any plans offered to retirees.
- Make a list of your regular doctors and prescription drugs to make it easy for you to compare plans.
- Get a picture of your health care history. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What did you pay in the past year? Look at your TOTAL costs, including premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance.
- How many times did you go to the doctor?
- How many hospital stays did you have?
- Do you plan on traveling?
- Compare different Medicare plans to find the coverage and premiums that work best for you.
- TIP: When comparing plans, be sure to look at the maximum amount of costs you could incur, or the out-of-pocket maximum.
- See if your doctors are covered.
- See if your prescriptions are covered.
- Compare our Medicare Advantage plans online.
- Find out about any extra benefits, such as fitness programs, hearing aid discounts and more.
- Arrange a personal consultation with a Medicare Advisor.
-
When you retire
- Time to enroll. You can enroll in Medicare up to two months after your coverage ends.
- If you haven’t yet enrolled in Part A and Part B, contact the Social Security Administration.
- To enroll in Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D, contact a Medicare Advisor.
- If you haven’t already done so, you should compare plans to determine which best meets your needs.
-
Two months after retirement
You must be enrolled in Part A, B and D (or creditable coverage) by now to avoid paying late enrollment penalties.
-
Beyond retirement
Other than the Special Enrollment Period (up to two months after losing your coverage), you can enroll during the Annual Open Enrollment Period between October 15 and December 7 each year
Health care and health coverage from every angle.
Our Medicare Advantage plans start at $0 and provide a continuous circle of care and coverage so you can get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Extended network
You’ll have access to a wide network of doctors and hospitals that includes the Mass General Brigham healthcare system and other providers, clinics, and hospitals throughout the region.
Benefits at a glance
Over-the-counter benefits
Enhanced dental, vision, and hearing services
Hearing aids and eyewear allowance
Telehealth
Fitness reimbursement
Coverage when you travel worldwide
Care Guides
Our Care Guides, like our plans, are centered on you. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan from Mass General Brigham Health Plan, you're paired with a Care Guide who helps you understand and use your benefits. Your Care Guide can help you:
- Find in-network providers
- Understand your coverage
- Solve prescription issues
- Schedule appointments
How to enroll during your Special Enrollment Period
You can sign up for Medicare or make changes during the annual open enrollment period of October 15 through December 7. However, you can also make changes during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which occurs when certain qualifying events happen, including losing employer coverage, retiring, moving, or other situations. Enrollment timing depends on the situation.
Follow these steps to enroll in one of our Medicare Advantage plans:
Sign up for Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) through the Social Security Administration.
Call us to add additional coverage through Mass General Brigham Health Plan. We have plans starting at $0 monthly premium.
On the first day of the month after we receive your application, your coverage will take effect.
Request a Benefit Kit
Compare plans, learn about benefits, and understand coverage details with your free Plan Benefit Kit now.
Have questions? Our Medicare Advisors are here to help.
Get expert guidance to help you understand your options, find the right plan, and make sure the transition to your new plan goes smoothly with no disruption to your care.
Call 855-486-3097 (TTY 711)
Or schedule a consultation.
October 1-March 31
8 AM-8 PM ET, Mon-Sun
April 1-September 30
8 AM-8 PM ET, Mon-Fri
