If you are brand new to Medicare, you can enroll in Medicare as soon as you become eligible and do not have to wait for the annual or open enrollment period.

If you are actively employed and have medical coverage through your employer or through your spouse's plan, contact your plan for more information on enrolling in a Medicare plan.

In fact, if you are receiving Social Security payments, you have been enrolled in Original Medicare automatically. But if you are eligible for Medicare and are not yet collecting Social Security, you must call or visit your Social Security office to enroll.

If you are not new to Original Medicare, choosing a Medicare Advantage plan can only be done during the open enrollment period, January 1 through March 31. That's when you have the opportunity to change your plan to another like plan.

Your plan change will take effect the first of the month following the month you submit your application.

There is a different annual enrollment period that you can change your plan and add or drop Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, which occurs annually between November 15 and December 31. Any change to your prescription drug coverage will take effect January 1.

You may be able to enroll or change your plan outside of the open enrollment period. For example, if you lose your coverage or move to a new area or state where your plan is not available.

There are a few ways to enroll with Providence Medicare Plans:

Submit a completed election form now by clicking on the Enroll Online Now link shown here.

Or call us and we'll help you enroll over the phone. Our number is: 1-800-457-6064.

Please note that if you decide at any time to enroll in a different Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan, you will automatically be disenrolled from your current Medicare plan.

When you sign up for Providence Medicare Plans, we can offer you several billing options, including automatic withdrawal from your bank account, by monthly invoice mailed to your home, or by automatic deduction from your Social Security check.

The most important thing for you to know is that Providence Medicare Plans are designed to bring you the extra coverage you need and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you will be taken care of.

If you have any questions about Providence Medicare Plans, we invite you to attend one of our community meetings where a sales representative will be present with information and applications. There is no obligation to enroll. To find one in your area click here on the link to Community Meetings.

Or call us. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 503-574-5551 or 1-800-457-6064. For the hearing impaired call 503-574-8702 or 1-888-244-6642.

Our sales representatives are available seven days a week between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.