Eligibility for Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) follows the same basic criteria as eligibility for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). To be eligible for Medicare Advantage, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Age: You must be at least 65 years old. People under 65 may also be eligible for Medicare if they have certain disabilities or specific medical conditions.
2. U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency: You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five consecutive years. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may still be eligible if you are a legal resident and meet the five-year requirement.
3. Enrollment in Medicare Part A and Part B: To join a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Most people are automatically enrolled in Part A when they turn 65 if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. If you are not automatically enrolled, you can sign up during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).

Once you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and meet the age and citizenship/residency requirements, you become eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. It’s important to note that Medicare Advantage plans may have specific enrollment periods, so you need to sign up during the appropriate times.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is the seven-month period that starts three months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and extends three months after that month. During your IEP, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Also known as the Fall Open Enrollment Period, this period occurs annually from October 15 to December 7. During AEP, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or switch between different Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): This period occurs from January 1 to March 31. During MA OEP, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or return to Original Medicare if you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP): In certain situations, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which allows you to make changes to your Medicare Advantage coverage outside of the regular enrollment periods. Examples of situations that trigger an SEP include moving out of your plan’s service area, losing other health coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help with prescription drug costs.

It’s essential to review your healthcare needs and compare the available Medicare Advantage plans in your area to find one that best suits your needs. Different plans have varying costs, coverage, and provider networks, so taking the time to research and choose the most suitable plan can lead to better healthcare outcomes and potentially lower out-of-pocket expenses. If you have questions or need assistance with enrollment, you can contact Medicare directly or speak with a licensed insurance agent who specializes in Medicare products.