Seniors are encouraged to sign up for Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for several reasons. Here's why it's important.

When kupuna sign up for Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period, they can avoid penalties for not signing up for Medicare on time.

Read this article if you don't sign up for Social Social Security by the age of 65: Signing Up for Medicare Before Claiming Social Security.

While Medicare was primarily created to serve kupuna, people with disabilities under the age of 65 may also qualify.

It’s important for seniors to enroll in Medicare when they are first eligible. If this window is missed, there is a risk of a penalty.

Do I qualify for Medicare if I am self-employed? Yes. A self-employed person does qualify for Medicare if they meet certain requirements.

People who are eligible for and enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles” or “dually eligible beneficiaries.”

To expand prescription drug access to low income seniors, the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services offers a program called Extra Help.

Am I eligible for Medicare? The vast majority of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents aged 65 years or older qualify for Medicare.