An easy way to determine your Medicare effective dates is to refer to the lower right corner of your Medicare card or to refer to your letter from the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board. There are various things to know about qualification criteria for Medicare, so another option is to call a trusted agent like the team at Health Plus Life as they can enroll you in a Medicare Advantage plan from a trusted carrier with one monthly premium (besides your Part B premium)

If you have any questions about when your Medicare coverage starts, you can contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For TTY services, call 1-800-325-0778.

If you worked for a railroad, you can call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For TTY services, call 312-751-4701.

If you find that you’re ineligible for Medicare, don’t worry; you still have a number of options available to secure health insurance. There could be other Medicare qualification factors that come into play. Here’s what you can do:

1. Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance: If you’re employed, check with your employer about health insurance options. Many employers offer health insurance as a part of their benefits package.
2. Spouse’s Health Plan: If your spouse is employed and has access to employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be able to join their plan.
3. Private Health Insurance: You can purchase health insurance directly from a private insurance company. Costs and coverage vary greatly, so shop around to find a plan that suits your needs and budget.
4. Health Insurance Marketplace: Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you can purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment period if you qualify. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for subsidies to help offset the cost of a plan.
5. Medicaid: If your income is low, you may qualify for Medicaid. Eligibility rules vary from state to state, so check with your state’s Medicaid office for more information.
6. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): If you have children and a limited income, your children might be eligible for CHIP, a state-run program that provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid.
7. COBRA: If you recently lost your job, you might be able to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance for a limited time through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), although you’ll likely have to pay the full premium yourself.
8. Join a Union or Professional Organization: Some unions and professional organizations offer group health insurance policies to their members.
9. Short-term Health Insurance: If you’re in good health and waiting for other coverage to begin, you might consider short-term health insurance. Be aware that these plans often cover fewer services and don’t typically cover pre-existing conditions.
10. Health Sharing Plan: These are cooperative groups, where members share each other’s health costs. They’re not insurance but can be more affordable. Be sure to research thoroughly to understand the risks and benefits.

Remember, going without health insurance is risky and can leave you vulnerable to high medical costs. It’s essential to explore all available options and choose the one that fits your budget and healthcare needs the best. If you’re unsure where to start or what you qualify for, consider speaking with a healthcare navigator or a trusted insurance broker like the experts at Health Plus Life to enroll you in a Medicare Advantage plan from a trusted carrier with one monthly premium (besides your Part B premium).