Are you turning 65 years old this year? If so, it could be time for you to apply for Medicare! Many people don’t know how to get started or what’s involved. It’s important to stay informed about Medicare and how you can apply for it.
The SSA administers Medicare eligibility, which also performs Part A and Part B applications. They provide a number of simple options, so you may apply for Medicare in whichever way appeals to you. You can enroll in Medicare up to three months before your 65th birthday.
As an added service, we will explain what to do if you have any issues with your policy or have questions. We’ll also provide tips on what to do if you have any questions or concerns about your coverage. So stay informed and stay healthy!
When to Sign Up for Medicare?
Medicare is not a part of your Social Security income application. People who turn 65 may enter Medicare whether or not they receive retirement income benefits. You may also become eligible for Medicare early due to various impairments, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease), End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), and the need for a transplant or dialysis. Also, those permanently disabled for 24 consecutive months become eligible for Medicare on the 25th month of their disability.
There is a 7-month window to enroll in Medicare around your 65th birthday. That is your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) (three months before your birthday month, the month of your birthday, and three months after your 65th birthday month). That is when you can sign up for Medicare for the first time. During the IEP, you can sign up for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (medical insurance). During the IEP, you can also enroll in Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plan) and/or Medicare Part D (coverage for prescription drugs). Suppose you are already getting Social Security benefits when you turn 65. In that case, Medicare Part A and Part B will automatically be set up for you. If you don’t get Social Security, you’ll have to sign up for Medicare on your own. You won’t be told when it’s time to sign up for Medicare.
Suppose you already get a monthly benefit from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board. In that case, you will be signed up for Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65. Your Medicare card should come three months before your 65th birthday month.
You must apply for Medicare on your own if you have not yet begun receiving Social Security benefits. However, the government expects you to know when and how to sign up. Let’s look at the procedure for enrolling in Medicare.
Initial Enrollment Period
The initial enrollment period lasts for seven months for Medicare Parts A, B, and D. It begins three months prior to the month in which you turn 65 and continues for another three months after that. You will not be charged a monthly penalty for enrolling in Medicare during your IEP. There is also no pre-existing condition verification waiting periods.
The Medicare Parts A, B, and D registration periods are determined by whether or not Medicare will be your primary coverage.
Applying for Medicare As Your Primary Coverage
Sign up for Medicare at least three months before your birthday month if you plan on using it as your primary health insurance. At the beginning of each month following your 65th birthday, Medicare coverage will kick in. Enrolling before your birthday ensures that your benefits start on the first of each month following your sixty-fifth birthday.
Applying During the General Enrollment Period for Medicare
Suppose you didn’t enroll in IEP within your 7-month window. In that case, you will be subject to a 10% Part B late enrollment penalty for each full calendar year you went without Medicare insurance. Don’t panic yet! If you have group employer coverage and that coverage is creditable. When you leave that plan, you will have a special enrollment period to sign up for Medicare. You will not incur the Medicare late enrollment penalty if you enroll during this special enrollment period.
What if I Miss My IEP and SEP
Suppose you missed your IEP and SEP for Medicare, and now you are applying “late.” You would need to use the General Enrollment Period. The General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31. In that case, your Medicare Part A and Part B will not become effective until July 1.
Medicare Enrollment and Small Employer Coverage
The primary health insurance provider will be Medicare if your company has fewer than 20 employees. Medicare will be the primary insurance if your employer has fewer than 20 workers. Medicare will be your primary insurance, so you’ll want to bring your Medicare card with you when you visit a doctor. If you are 65 or older and employed by a small business (less than 20 employees), enrolling in Medicare is an excellent idea.
Applying for Medicare When you Have Large Employer Coverage
Large employer coverage is health insurance your employer provides with 20 or more individuals enrolled. Medicare can assist you and your spouse if you are still working and receiving employer-sponsored insurance. Medicare will be secondary to employer coverage even if you or your spouse still work for an organization with 20+ employees.
Suppose you’re already enrolled in another type of group health plan. In that case, you can decide whether to join Medicare Part B or postpone your enrollment until later. Because your group health insurance policy is likely to cover medical services already, delaying Part B enrollment may help you save money while you work.
Finally, we’ll look at the costs of your employer plan versus Medicare if you’re still working at 65. We can assist you in deciding whether to enroll in Part A or B, or both if continuing your employer insurance makes more sense.
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) after age 65. You will need to provide documentation when you submit your Medicare application because of the loss of employer coverage. The two documents are CMS form 40B and L564, which is your proof that you had creditable coverage while working.
How to Register Online for Medicare?
To apply for Medicare, all you need is a few minutes of your time to fill out the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) online application. You do not need to receive Social Security benefits to enroll in Medicare. All you have to do is go to the Social Security website, set up an account, and follow the instructions on how to apply for Medicare.
Go to https://www.ssa.gov/retire to apply for Medicare and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time.
Enrolling in Medicare online is the simplest way to do it. Still, people occasionally encounter difficulties because some of their information in the Social Security system is incorrect. If that’s the case, calling in to sign up is an option. So let’s check out the second option.
How Do I Sign Up for Medicare by Phone?
You can apply for Medicare by phone in the same way that you would online. To enroll in Medicare, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (1-800-325-0778 for TTY users). To reach the Railroad Retirement Board, former railroad employees should dial (877) 772-5772.
Some forms may be sent to you by your Social Security representative. These papers are usually straightforward. However, phone applications for Medicare have a few drawbacks, the most significant of which is that they take longer to complete.
Finally, some customers prefer to deal with their Medicare enrollment in person. Last but not least, I’d like to go over the steps for submitting a paper application for Medicare.
How to Apply for Medicare in Person?
The Social Security Administration will accept Medicare applications. Visit https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/ to get in touch with your regional office. Find a nearby Social Security office by visiting their website. Ask for a printout verifying your enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B at your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Application Procedures
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program with two distinct parts: hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B). Hospital stays, care in a hospice facility, nursing home care, and other home health services are all covered by Medicare Part A. Part B covers in-hospital and outpatient care, such as doctor visits, surgeries, durable medical equipment, and more. However, Medicare does not provide full coverage for the costs of these treatments. There are deductibles, copays, and coinsurance the Medicare beneficiary is responsible for paying. That is where a good Medicare Supplement plan, Medigap, can be very prudent.
When is Open Enrollment for Medicare 2022?
Your Medicare open enrollment period is determined by your birthday. It’s a seven-month window during which you can join Medicare. To avoid penalties, you must enroll for Medicare during this period. The Annual Election Period (AEP) is in the fall, so don’t confuse this registration period with the Annual Election Period.
When Will I Get My Original Medicare Card?
When applying for Medicare, how long should you expect to wait before receiving your card? It usually takes about three weeks to receive your Medicare card after applying. However, your card will arrive in the mail about two months before you turn 65 if you are already receiving Social Security benefits.
Do You Need to Apply for Medicare Every Year?
There is no need to fill out a second Medicare application, thankfully. Just one is sufficient.
Medicare Parts A and B will automatically renew each year unless you cancel coverage by not paying your monthly premium.
What About Medicare Part D?
Your Medicare Part D drug plan will automatically renew each year. However, Medicare Part D coverage details evolve annually. You should review your insurance options yearly during the Fall Annual Election Period.
