Your step-by-step guide to understanding when, how, and where to enroll in Medicare — simplified by Arcuri & Associates Assurance Agency.

Medicare Made Simple — Finally

If you’re approaching age 65, nearing retirement, or helping a loved one with healthcare planning, understanding Medicare eligibility and enrollment can feel overwhelming. The good news? It doesn’t have to be.

At Arcuri & Associates Assurance Agency, we’ve spent more than four decades helping residents across Northeastern Ohio, including Salem, Columbiana County, and Mahoning County, navigate Medicare with confidence. Our mission is to make it simple, straightforward, and stress-free — from your very first enrollment to every renewal that follows.

Whether you’re wondering when to sign up, which plan is right for you, or what happens if you miss your deadline, this guide walks you through everything step by step.

Who Is Eligible for Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program primarily designed for people age 65 and older, but there are several other ways you may qualify.

You’re Eligible If You:

• Are age 65 or older, and either a U.S. citizen or a legal resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five years.
• Are under 65 but have a qualifying disability and have received Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months.
• Have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

If you’ve worked (or your spouse has worked) and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, you’ll likely qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A — the hospital coverage portion of the program.

Breaking Down Medicare: The Four Parts

Before you enroll, it’s important to understand the different parts of Medicare and how they work together.

Part A: Hospital Insurance

Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A.

Part B: Medical Insurance

Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium, which varies based on income.

Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans

Offered by private insurance companies, Medicare Advantage plans in Salem and throughout Northeastern Ohio combine Part A and B, and often include Part D (prescription coverage). Many plans add extras like dental, vision, or hearing.

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Helps pay for the cost of prescription medications. You can get Part D through a standalone plan or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.

If you’re not sure which combination works best for you, our advisors specialize in Medicare insurance in Columbiana County, Ohio, offering one-on-one help comparing options.

When Can You Enroll in Medicare?

Enrolling at the right time is key to avoiding late penalties and ensuring you have continuous coverage. Medicare offers several different enrollment periods depending on your situation.

1. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your first chance to enroll begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. That gives you a seven-month window to sign up for Parts A and B.

✅ Tip: Enroll early — signing up during the first three months ensures your coverage starts the day you turn 65.

2. General Enrollment Period (GEP)

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up between January 1 and March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1.
However, you may pay late penalties that last for life — which is why our team emphasizes enrolling on time.

3. Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you’re still working at 65 and have employer health coverage, you can delay Medicare without penalty. Once you retire or lose that coverage, you’ll have an eight-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare.

This is where having local Medicare enrollment help near you is invaluable — we make sure you transition smoothly from work coverage to Medicare without any gaps.

4. Annual Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7)

During this period, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa)
• Change your Part D prescription plan
• Review and update your coverage for the upcoming year

We recommend reviewing your plan each fall with our advisors to make sure your coverage still fits your needs and budget.

How to Enroll in Medicare

You can enroll in Medicare in several ways, but many people prefer working with a local Medicare advisor in Northeastern Ohio to ensure everything is completed correctly.

Option 1: Enroll Automatically

If you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B when you turn 65. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail about three months before your birthday.

Option 2: Apply Online

Visit the Social Security Administration website(ssa.gov/medicare) to apply online — it’s quick, secure, and available 24/7.

Option 3: Enroll In-Person or by Phone

You can also visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to apply.

Option 4: Get Personalized Help

At Arcuri & Associates Assurance Agency, we walk you through the enrollment process step by step. Whether you’re signing up for Original Medicare or choosing between Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans, we’ll help you complete your paperwork accurately and on time — and make sure you understand exactly what you’re signing up for.

Avoiding Medicare Enrollment Mistakes

Every year, we meet people who missed key deadlines or enrolled in the wrong plan — often because they tried to figure it out alone. Here are a few of the most common mistakes we help clients avoid:

• Waiting too long to enroll in Part B — leading to lifetime penalties.
• Assuming employer coverage ends automatically — it doesn’t, and missteps can cause overlaps or gaps.
• Choosing a plan without reviewing doctors or prescriptions — not all plans cover the same providers or medications.
• Forgetting about Part D — even if you don’t take medications now, delaying Part D can cost you later.
• Relying on national call centers — they don’t know local networks or the best options in Columbiana and Mahoning Counties.

Our goal is to make sure your Medicare enrollment is seamless, penalty-free, and perfectly timed — with personal guidance every step of the way.

How to Get Medicare Help in Northeastern Ohio

Medicare isn’t just about signing forms — it’s about understanding what each choice means for your health, budget, and future.

When you sit down with Greg Arcuri, you’ll get a clear explanation of:

• Your eligibility and enrollment timeline
• The difference between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Supplement plans
• Which prescription drug plans (Part D) make the most sense for your needs
• How to coordinate Medicare with your employer or retiree coverage
• We meet face-to-face in Salem, Columbiana County, and Mahoning County, or virtually if you prefer. Wherever you are, you’ll always get direct access to us — never a call center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Eligibility

Q: Do I have to enroll in Medicare at 65?

A: If you’re not yet receiving Social Security and you’re still working with employer coverage, you can delay Medicare without penalty. Otherwise, it’s best to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid lifelong fees.

Q: Can my spouse qualify based on my work history?

A: Yes. If your spouse didn’t work enough to qualify for premium-free Part A, they can still qualify through your employment record once you’re eligible.

Q: What if I’m under 65 but disabled?

A: If you’ve received Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months, you’ll automatically qualify for Medicare — regardless of age.

Q: How do I know which plan is right for me?

A: That’s where we come in. We’ll compare Medicare Advantage and Supplement insurance plans in Mahoning and Columbiana Counties, explain each option in plain English, and help you make the best choice for your health and finances.

Why Work With a Local Medicare Advisor

Online searches and 1-800 numbers can’t match the personal service of a local advisor who understands Northeastern Ohio’s Medicare landscape.

Here’s what sets Arcuri & Associates apart:

• Face-to-face education: We believe informed clients make the best choices.
• Ongoing personal support: We’re here before, during, and long after enrollment.
• Trusted experience: With over 40 years in the industry, we’ve guided thousands through this process with patience and care.

We don’t just help you enroll — we help you stay confident about your coverage year after year.