The Department of Public Health and Social Services, in conjunction with the Guam District Office of the Social Security Administration, is informing the public that the Medicare general enrollment period started on Jan. 1 and will conclude on March 31. According to a DPHSS release, Medicare is the national health insurance program for those aged 65 or older, with some people under that age also qualifying. Individuals approved for Social Security disability benefits are eligible for Medicare after 24 months. Those diagnosed with ALS, entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance, or with permanent kidney failure and receive maintenance dialysis or a kidney transplant may also qualify for Medicare.

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B is slated to be $174.70 for 2024. Failing to enroll in Part B when first eligible could result in a late enrollment penalty, the release warns. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following enrollment. Residents may register for Medicare Part B either three months before or after they turn 65, during the initial enrollment period.

Starting from Jan. 1, those who sign up for Medicare Part B during the last three months of their initial enrollment period will have coverage starting the first day of the following month. If one fails to sign up for Medicare Part B during the initial enrollment period, they have another opportunity each year during the general enrollment period from Jan. 1 through March 31.

For more details, residents can visit the Medicare benefits page at www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare. They may also peruse the SSA’s publication at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10043.pdf. Additionally, individuals can enroll online through the Social Security Administration’s website, or call 1-855-616-6393, 1-800-772-1213, or the Guam Medicare Assistance Program at (671) 735-7415 or (671) 735-7421.