New to Medicare
Contact us to learn more
Whether you're eligible for Medicare coverage now or will be soon, we can help you understand your options.
Ready to enroll?
If you are new to Medicare, or if you qualify for special enrollment, you can enroll in a Dean Health Plan Medicare Advantage plan online.
Enroll in a 2024 plan
Eligibility
You are Medicare-eligible if you are a legal U.S. resident and one of the following applies to you:
- You are age 65 or older
- You are any age and have a qualifying permanent disability
The ABCDs of Medicare
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Original Medicare
Administered by the federal government
Once you decide to join Medicare, you have a few different options. The federal government refers to these Medicare benefits and options as Parts A, B, C and D. No matter which option you choose, the first step is the same: Enroll in Original Medicare, also known as Parts A and B.
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Part A
Hospital insurance inpatient care
- Hospital room
- Inpatient acute care
- Inpatient mental health care
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Home health services
- Inpatient tests and services
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Part B
Medical insurance outpatient care
- Doctor visits (including annual wellness visit)
- Outpatient services
- Clinical lab services
- Some preventive care
- Durable medical equipment, such as oxygen and wheelchairs
- Diagnostic tests such as X-rays and MRIs
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Additional coverage
Original Medicare doesn't cover everything. Many Medicare recipients enroll in or buy additional plans from private insurance companies such as Dean Health Plan for more coverage options and to spend less out-of-pocket.
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Part C
Medicare Advantage
- Replaces Original Medicare Parts A and B
- Has an annual maximum out-of-pocket
- Often includes Part D coverage (drug prescription)
- Often includes additional benefits like dental, eyewear and more
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Part D
Prescription drug coverage
- Covers outpatient prescription medications.
- Offered in Medicare Advantage plans with Part D, or can be purchased separately in addition to Original Medicare.
- Starting in 2025 Medicare Advantage plans will offer an annual maximum out of pocket.
When to sign up for Medicare
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
This is the seven-month period during which you can enroll in Medicare for the first time. Often this enrollment period occurs when you turn 65 or when you leave an employer-based plan after 65. If you are enrolling for the first time due to disability, your IEP timing is based on your disability date.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
You can make changes to your medical and prescription drug coverage every year from Oct. 15–Dec. 7. Your changes are effective Jan. 1 of the following year.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
From Jan. 1 - March 31, if you currently have a Medicare Advantage plan you may switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, or disenroll from your current Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
This is a period when Medicare recipients may change medical and prescription drug coverage outside of AEP, if they meet certain requirements and have a qualifying event, such as moving to a new service area or leaving an employer-based plan. Learn more about SEP.
Questions about your qualifications? Contact Dean Advantage Sales Support at 1-877-234-0126 (TTY: 711). For more information about Medicare eligibility and enrollment policies and limitations, visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Wisconsin contacts
If you live outside of Wisconsin and are looking for contact information, or the agency you are looking for is not listed, see the government Medicare site.
| Organization name | Agency name | Can answer my question about | Contact information |
| 1-800-Medicare | 1-800-Medicare | General Medicare and health plan information, ordering Medicare booklets. | Toll Free: 800-633-4227, 24 hours a day/7 days a week |
| CMS RO Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Regional Office | CMS, Chicago Regional Office | Information on local seminars and health fairs on Medicare health plan choices or to report a complaint directly to CMS. | Phone: 312-353-7180 |
| Railroad Retirement Board (For Railroad Retirement beneficiaries only) | Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) | RRB benefits, lost RRB Medicare card, address change and enrolling in Medicare. | Toll free: 877-772-5772 See website |
| State Health Insurance Assistance Program | Wisconsin - SHIP | Medigap policies, long-term care insurance, Medicare health plan choices, Medicare rights and protections and help with filing an appeal. | Toll free: 800-242-1060 Local: 608-267-3201 Spanish: 888-701-1255 See website |
| Social Security Administration | Social Security Administration (SSA) | Address changes, Medicare Part A or Part B, lost Medicare card and Social Security benefits. | Toll free: 800-772-1213 See website |
| State Department of Insurance | Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of Wisconsin | Medigap policies available in my area and insurance questions. | Toll free: 800-236-8517 Local: 608-266-3585 See website |