Step-by-Step: How to Enroll in Medicare

STEP 1: Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B

You’re eligible to enroll in Medicare starting three months before your 65th birthday. To avoid gaps in coverage, it’s best to enroll early.

Enroll online at: www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up

What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

Part A helps cover:

• • Inpatient hospital stays
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Hospice care
  • Some home health care

Part A Premium (2026):

• • $0/month for most people (if you or your spouse worked 10+ years/40 quarters)
  • $311 for people with 30-39 quarters
  • $565 for people with less than 30 quarters.

Part A Deductible (2026):

• • $1,736 per benefit period

What Does Medicare Part B Cover?

Part B helps cover:

• • Doctor visits
  • Outpatient services
  • Lab work and preventive care
  • Durable medical equipment (DME)

Part B Premium (2026):

• • $202.90/month (standard premium)
  • Higher-income individuals may pay more based on IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)

Part B Deductible (2026):

• • $283/year
    After the deductible, you typically pay 20% of Medicare-approved costs — and there’s no annual out-of-pocket cap.
  • Part B covers doctor visits, labs, outpatient care, and more.
• To enroll in Part B only you can enroll using with this link.  www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up/part-b-only

STEP 2: Enrolling in Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan)

You’ll want a Part D plan to help pay for medications. 

If you just want protection from the penalty and peace of mind, start with SilverScript SmartSaver or Humana Walmart Value Rx. Both are low-cost, widely available in most areas, and pair nicely with a Medicare Supplemental plan.

• Compare plans at www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/ to find a Part D plan that fits your needs. Have your medications to enter online which will provide you with the best options based on your location, medications, and pharmacy.  

 Important: If you don’t enroll in Part D when first eligible and don’t have other creditable drug coverage, you may face a late enrollment penalty when you sign up later.

STEP 3: Talk to Mike About What Medicare Doesn’t Cover

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) has gaps, including: 

• No cap on out-of-pocket spending
• Deductibles and 20% coinsurance
• No coverage for routine dental, vision, or hearing

That’s why most people turning 65 choose to add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan

What We’ll Cover Together:

Review Plan G vs. Plan N — the most popular Medigap plans for 2026
Add a Dental, Vision & Hearing benefit plan
Understand coverage options for home health care, long-term care, and more
Get personalized quotes from multiple top-rated insurance companies
Make sure you’re fully protected — and not overpaying

Let’s find the best Medicare Supplement plan for you.

Schedule an appointment with Mike Brenhaug by clicking the button below or call our office at 888.383.4701.