The Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) 

Medicare Plan A, often called “Hospital Insurance,” covers inpatient-related care. This coverage includes inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing centers, nursing homes (excluding custodial or long-term care homes), hospice care, and even at the beneficiary’s home, in some cases.
Enrolling in Medicare Plan A

While some individuals automatically enroll in Medicare Plan A when they turn 65, others may need to apply if they aren’t drawing Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits. Those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) may also have to sign up for Medicare Plan A.

Most beneficiaries don’t have to pay the monthly premium for Medicare Plan A. Likewise, anyone that paid Medicare taxes for ten years while working does not have to pay for the Plan A premium. In situations where individuals have limited incomes, the state may also help pay the Plan A premium.
Some individuals that are not automatically enrolled in Medicare Plan A can still sign up under the following conditions:

• The individual is 65 years of age or older, meets U.S. citizenship and residency requirements, and is not entitled to Social Security.
• The individual is under the age of 65, disabled, and lost previous Medicare Plan A coverage because of a return to employment.

Although Medicare does not require beneficiaries to purchase Medicare Plan B, those that don’t buy it when it becomes available will be assessed a late if it’s purchased at a later time. Those with limited income may qualify for financial assistance from the state to cover Medicare Part A and Part B.