Medicare Enrollment PSA
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2025
Contact: HEALTH INSURANCE COUNSELING AND ADVOCACY PROGRAM (HICAP)
(707) 526.4108 or (800) 434.0222; hicapinfo@sasnb.org
AVOID DELAYING MEDICARE ENROLLMENT
Senior Advocacy Services and HICAP remind individuals approaching age 65 to apply for Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before their 65th birthday. An exception applies if you are actively employed and covered by an employer's group health plan.
Most people enroll in Medicare Part A without delay, as it is free for those who have worked full-time for at least 10 years and earned 40 quarters of Social Security credits.
Social Security encourages online applications. However, assistance now requires an appointment, as walk-in visits are no longer accepted. Therefore, we advise planning ahead for Medicare.
For assistance from Social Security, call your local SSA office at 800.772.1213 at least three months before your 65th birthday to schedule a telephone appointment.
Take action now: Ensure your Medicare enrollment is timely and smooth by contacting HICAP for support and scheduling your Social Security appointment well in advance.