MEDICARE ENROLLMENT DEADLINES
You become eligible for Medicare coverage at age 65 (three months before your 65^th birthday to three months after).  If you don't enroll, then you must wait until the general enrollment period which is January 1 to March 31 each year.

Why is it important to enroll by March 31?
If you are over 65 and miss the March 31 deadline, you must wait until next year to enroll, and coverage would not be effective until the following July 1st.  Medicare also assesses a penalty of 10% of the cost of Part B coverage for each year that you are over age 65.

You should apply for Medicare as soon as you are eligible.  If you apply within three months prior to your 65^th birthday your coverage will begin on the first day of the month that you turn 65.

Your Medicare coverage is always primary and your LACERA plan coverage is secondary for payment of both hospital and medical services.

For Medicare eligibility information, contact the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

• Visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov.
• Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
• Read Medicare & You, a booklet mailed to Medicare recipients every fall by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

To apply for Medicare, contact:

• Your local Social Security Administration (SSA) Office or
• Visit www.ssa.gov
• Call the National 800 SSA Number at 1-800-772-1213