Qualify for Medicare? Learn if you are eligible for coverage and enroll in a plan today.

If you are turning 65, you may qualify for Medicare.

As you turn 65 there are a lot of decisions to make regarding your healthcare benefits. That's why we've made Humana's Medicare Website a resource for Medicare information. This site provides tools and resources along with information on Humana's plans, added benefits and services and what to consider when choosing a Medicare health plan. At Humana, we make it easy to compare Medicare plans and enroll online.

Your First Medicare Enrollment Period

If you're approaching age 65, you have a 7 month window to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan. This window consists of the three months before your 65^th birthday, the month of your 65^th birthday, and the three months after your 65^th birthday.

If you're employed and plan to continue working after your 65^th birthday, talk with your company's benefits administrator. Find out how your current health plan differs from or works with Medicare. This will help you decide whether you want to keep your current health plan or switch to a Medicare plan.

If you're not 65 but you are disabled, you're eligible for Medicare after you've received disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for at least 24 months.

Understand the Medicare basics

The better you understand Medicare and how it works, the better prepared you'll be to choose the plan that's right for you.

Medicare has four parts - A, B, C and D

Part A (Hospital Insurance) - Most U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents age 65 or older are eligible for free Medicare hospital insurance (Part A). This helps to cover medically necessary inpatient care in hospitals and also helps cover hospice care and home healthcare. Medicare hospital insurance is sold only during designated enrollment periods. Read more about Medicare Part A

Part B (Medical Insurance) - Anyone who is eligible for free Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) can enroll in Medicare medical insurance (Part B) by paying a monthly premium. This helps to cover doctor visits and outpatient care. It also helps pay for some services Part A doesn’t cover (like physical and occupational therapists). Part B also covers some preventive services. Read more about Medicare Part B.

Parts A and B together make up Original Medicare. Parts A and B cover much of the medical care you need, but not all of it.

Additional Medicare Options

Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) - Medicare Part C is only available from private insurers contracted with Medicare. You are eligible to enroll in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), if you have Medicare Parts A and B.

Humana's Medicare Advantage plans often include prescription drug coverage, additional benefits and usually reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare Advantage plans may require an additional monthly premium. Humana offers HMO, PPO and PFFS plans. To find out which plans are offered in your area, enter your ZIP code at the bottom of the page.

There are two ways to enroll. Your first option is to enroll as you turn 65. Your second is during the annual enrollment period from November 15 through December 31, each year.

Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) - Like Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D is available only from private insurers through contracts with Medicare. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage is voluntary, and you pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. You are eligible to enroll if you are entitled to Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) and/or enrolled in medical insurance (Part B). Read more about Medicare Part D.

People who become newly entitled to Medicare should enroll during their initial enrollment period, as they turn 65. You can also enroll during the annual enrollment period from November 15, through December 31, each year.

Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, plans are purchased in addition to Original Medicare. Medicare Supplement plans help to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare coverage. Costs can vary by age and state. Read more about Medicare Supplement plans.

For additional information about Medicare, visit our More About Medicare section.

Additional Information on Medicare Coverage:

- More about Medicare
Plan options, Medicare history, Important dates

- What to know before you enroll
Drug benefits, Determining your premium, Coverage dates

- Why choose Humana?
Experience, Extra services, Affordable choices

- Extra help with Medicare costs
Available help, Qualifications, How to apply

- Glossary & FAQ’s
Definitions, Questions, Information

Plan Choices Compare and enroll. It's easy and convenient. Enter your ZIP Code to explore Humana's Medicare plans in your area. ZIP Code: ZIP Code Lookup