Medicare

Medicare Eligibility

If you have any questions about Medicare or your eligibility, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.

Who is eligible for Medicare?

U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents who have resided in the United States for five continuous years, including the five years prior to applying for Medicare.

You must also meet one of the following:

  • Age 65 years or older and eligible to receive Social Security or receive Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
  • Under age 65 years, permanently disabled and have received Social Security disability benefits for at least two years.
  • Any age diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or lateral sclerosis (ALS).

When are you first eligible to enroll in Medicare coverage?

For most individuals, your initial eligibility period is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday. Beginning 3-months before your 65th birthday and ending 3-months after, this is the time when you can enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), with an optional Part D prescription drug coverage, or Medicare Advantage.

If you have a special enrollment period or qualifying event your first opportunity to enroll may be different. See Enrollment for information about all enrollment periods.

Three calendars on each side of a birthday cake with candles

Questions about our Medicare coverage?

Phone hours:               
Medicare Advantage: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week
All other inquiries: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday


Helpful links

Disclaimers

Medicare Supplement is offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas Solutions is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. By providing information to Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas Solutions a Medicare Advisor may contact you.

e715C 09/23 Rev, 09/23

H7063_Medicareweb3_C