Medicare Eligibility

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Before you get started, here are some important words you should know:

When can I enroll in Medicare?

Generally, you can enroll in Medicare if you are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States and turning 65. If you are turning 65 and will be eligible, you have seven months to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Your Medicare enrollment timeline includes:

  • Three months before the month of your 65th birthday.
  • The month of your 65th birthday.
  • Three months after the month of your 65th birthday.

If you currently get your health care benefits through your employer, make sure to talk to your employer. Your employer can help you understand what you need to do before you retire.

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Who is eligible for Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program. To qualify you must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States. You must also:

  • Be age 65 or older, or
  • Be under age 65 with certain disabilities, or
  • Have permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis.

Are you turning 65 or retiring soon?

If you are turning 65 or retiring soon, there is something important you should do: Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Your age and retirement date determine whether you are eligible for a Medicare plan. These factors may affect when you can enroll in Medicare.

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Medicare Checklist


What if I am already enrolled in a Medicare plan and need to change my coverage?

If you are already enrolled in Medicare, there are only certain times of the year when you can change your Medicare Advantage coverage.

Learn more about when to enroll

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Next Steps

When to Enroll

Understanding the right time to enroll in Medicare is important. Find out when to enroll.

The Four Parts of Medicare

The four parts of Medicare cover various services. Learn about each of the four parts of Medicare.

Medicare Part A

Medicare Part A covers inpatient and hospital coverage. Learn more about Part A.

Contact us

UPMC for Life Members
Call us toll-free: 1-877-539-3080 (TTY: 711)

Oct. 1 – March 31: 
Seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
 
April 1 – Sept. 30: 
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

UPMC for Life Prospective Members
Call us toll-free: 1-866-400-5077 (TTY: 711)
Oct. 1 – March 31: 
Seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
 
April 1 – Sept. 30: 
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call 1-866-400-5077 (TTY: 711) for more information. Out-of-network/Noncontracted providers are under no obligation to treat UPMC for Life members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost sharing that applies to out-of-network services. Other physicians/providers are available in the UPMC for Life network.

This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our customer service number at 1-877-539-3080 (TTY: 711).

UPMC for Life has a contract with Medicare to provide HMO, HMO D-SNP, and PPO plans. The HMO D-SNP plans have a contract with the PA State Medical Assistance program. Enrollment in UPMC for Life depends on contract renewal. UPMC for Life is a product of and operated by UPMC Health Plan Inc., UPMC Health Network Inc., UPMC Health Benefits Inc., UPMC for You Inc., and UPMC Health Coverage Inc.

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UPMC for Life Members
Call us toll-free: 1-877-539-3080
TTY: 711

Oct. 1 – March 31:
Seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

April 1 – Sept. 30:
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

UPMC for Life Prospective Members
Call us toll-free: 1-866-400-5077
TTY: 711

Oct. 1 – March 31:
Seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

April 1 – Sept. 30:
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Last Updated: 10/01/2024