I should have probably made this one the first word... but hey... here it is, like a big 'ole bear hug. Medicare: Federal Health Insurance for people 65 years young & over, or permanent disability lasting 24 consecutive months, or those with a specific diagnosis like ALS, ESRD. If I had to pick a favorite... I guess this would be it.
According to the source itself, Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health plan that has two parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). After you pay a deductible, Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount, and you pay your share (coinsurance and deductibles).Everyone becomes eligible for Medicare on the first day of the month that you turn 65, unless you were born the first... if you were, you get to go back one whole month just for being born. Even if you were eligible prior to your 65th birthday because of a permanent disability or specific diagnosis, it is still a very important date in your Medicare journey. It marks guaranteed insurability and freedom so brilliant to choose coverage, that in my field, it is referred to as a golden ticket. It is called a golden ticket because you can get whatever coverage you want no matter your health past, present or potential future.
You also have the legal right to choose or change regardless of your employer's prefered date for enrollments. You can always Schedule a Call with MAMA to talk about your rights if you have any other questions about that. Please remember, Medicare Advantage aka Part C is actually not a part of Original Medicare at all. It is actually private health insurance contracted with the government to manage your care instead of Original Medicare, not in addition to it.