Starting to think about Medicare, but don’t know where to begin? You’re not alone. The Medicare process can be complicated and confusing. This brief overview can help you understand some Medicare basics.

Fidelity Medicare Services

You and your loved ones have access to Fidelity Medicare Services at no cost to you. This program gives you access to:

  • Medicare education and information about your health plan options
  • Access to licensed insurance agents who specialize in Medicare
  • Personalized assistance with and impartial guidance through the Medicare enrollment process
  • And more!

Whether you’re ready to start enrolling or just want to start looking at your options, Fidelity Medicare Services can help you make a Medicare plan and feel confident about your decisions.

Learn more.

Download the Fidelity ABC’s (and D’s) of Medicare Educational Webinar PDF

ALEX Medicare!

Medicare is confusing and complicated. ALEX makes it simple! Try ALEX Medicare to get help with the whole Medicare process, whether you’re ready to sign up now or just looking to understand your options for the future. ALEX Medicare can help you learn about your Medicare eligibility and enrollment dates, how Medicare works with your existing insurance, and your Medicare coverage options and costs.

Get started now.

Applying for Medicare

In order to apply for Medicare in a Special Enrollment Period, you must have or have had group health plan coverage within the last 8 months through your or your spouse’s current employment.

CMS-L564: Request for Employment Information

A CMS-L564 Form is used for proof of group health care coverage based on current employment. This information is needed to process your Medicare enrollment application.

What to Do with the Form

  1. Fill out Section A. Do not fill out any other sections on the form.
  2. Scroll to the bottom of the form and click the “Download and print to PDF” button.
  3. Submit the Form to Albertsons by either:
    • Submitting a myACI Help Desk Ticket:
      • Request Category: Benefits
      • Topic: Medicare Forms
      • Provide Your Benefit Source and Contact Telephone Number: (either Company Sponsored Benefits or Non-Company Sponsored Benefits (Union/Health and Welfare Trust)
      • Detailed Description: Please include your request and instructions on how to return the form to you (valid email address or mailing address must be provided).
      • Attach the Form: Include a PDF of the Form with the Help Desk Ticket; or
    • Fax to (623) 295-3961: Include the form and a cover sheet with your name, person number, contact telephone number and instructions on how to return the form to you (valid email address or mailing address must be provided).

Next Steps

Once Albertsons has completed Section B and returned the form to you, include the completed form with your Application for Enrollment in Medicare (CMS-40B). Send both together to your local Social Security office. Find your local office here: www.ssa.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medicare is health insurance offered through the government for people age 65 or older. Some people may be eligible for Medicare earlier if they have a disability or certain medical condition.

Medicare has several different parts.

Medicare Part A covers hospital care, including skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and home care.

Medicare Part B covers doctor care, including lab tests, specialists, and outpatient hospital care.

Medicare Part C, often known as Medicare Advantage, is another way to get Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage plans are run by approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare.

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs.

Medicare Parts A, B, and D (or a Medicare Advantage plan and Part D) work together to provide you with the health coverage you need.

Generally, you are eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, unless you have a disability or specific health condition. You can sign up for Medicare starting during your initial enrollment period, which is 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65.

If you elect to take Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65.

You may have heard that if you do not sign up for Medicare during your initial enrollment period, you will be subject to a late enrollment penalty fee. This is true, but only if you do not have other health coverage that is similar in value to Medicare, such as an employer-sponsored health plan like the health coverage available through Albertsons Companies. If you are over age 65 and still have coverage through Albertsons or a spouse’s employer, you can delay your enrollment in Medicare until your other coverage ends. You can enroll during a Special Enrollment Period.

After your Initial Enrollment Period is over, you may have a chance to sign up for Medicare during a Special Enrollment Period. For example, if you didn’t sign up for Part B (or Part A if you have to buy it) when you were first eligible because you have group health plan coverage based on current employment (your own, a spouse’s, or a family member’s if you have a disability), you can sign up for Part A and/or Part B:

  • Any time you’re still covered by the group health plan
  • During the 8-month period that begins the month after the employment ends or the coverage ends, whichever happens first

Visit Medicare.gov and answer a few questions to get started signing up for Medicare.

The best place to start is www.medicare.gov or https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare. Another great option is to take advantage of ALEX Medicare – a resource provided to you by Albertsons that can walk you through the whole Medicare process.

Checkout Fidelity Medicare Services or try ALEX Medicare to get help with the whole Medicare process, whether you’re ready to sign up now or just looking to understand your options for the future. Both resources can help you learn about your Medicare eligibility and enrollment dates, how Medicare works with your existing insurance, and your Medicare coverage options and costs.