Apply for Medicare
Medicare
Medicare is a healthcare plan that any senior should endeavor signing for on attainment of 65 years. It has never been hard to enroll for Medicare as it would look like. There are three ways that one can easily enroll, either online, by phone, or visit the Social Security Office.
In this case, ensure that even as you reach 65, you are ready with your papers to enroll for the plan, it’s possible to get it three months before you celebrate the 65th birthday. If you opt to visit Social Security offices, you will be able to apply for Medicare Parts A and B. For the other plans like the Medicare Part D, and you can still enroll. However, it will be covered by a Private insurance company. However, this is voluntary to enroll under Social Security since it’s readily available by the insurance companies.
When to apply for Medicare
For any person to be eligible to apply for Medicare, you must have attained the age of 65, except for some states which accept people with disability to apply at an earlier age. You need to apply by yourself unless you are taking Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. In this case, one is automatically enrolled, and the card delivered within two months.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
One is eligible to enroll for Medicare Part A, B, and D three months before your birthday up to three months after your 65th birthday. This amounts to seven months, and at this time, there is no condition pegged on any preexisting condition. However, if you have employer coverage, then you may decide to wait for the official enrollment window.
Applying for Medicare as Your Primary Coverage
It’s essential to enroll for Medicare Primary coverage three months before turning 65. This will enable you to use the plan immediately you turn 65. Otherwise, if you enroll three months after the birthday, you will have to wait a little longer to start accessing the services, and as such, it’s paramount to take charge of the dates and start enjoying the benefits early enough.
It’s also worth noting that the Initial Enrollment period will also be set to the next window opening in the event you leave your employer in the middle of Medicare IEP. As such, it’s recommended to apply for Medicare before your 65th birthday to avoid inconveniences.
In the event you fail to apply within the seven months of initial enrolment, then you stand to pay a fine of 10% on Part B plan.
On the same note, it’s advisable to enroll for both Part A and B if you have a small employer coverage- generally less than 20 employees.
Applying for Medicare When You have Large Employer Coverage
Medicare gives an allowance to synchronize with your employer insurance if your employer has insured more than 20 employees and makes Medicare your secondary coverage. As such, you can opt to enroll for Part B or wait later since the employer is covering you.
But in case you are not sure about when to apply for Medicare, it’s good you consult a Medicare Insurance broker such as the Boomer Benefits, and they will be able to guide you further. We will also try and advise you on the coverage to take if you are still employed and still covered by your employer.
How to Apply Online for Medicare.
You do not have to leave your house to apply for Medicare, and you can enroll in less than ten minutes. You only need to visit the Social Security Website and click on the Medicare tab. It will guide you on how to proceed and make the application.
You can apply for both Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare on https://www.ssa.gov/retire.
If you wish to apply for Medicare alone, then the site to use is https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/
How to Apply for Medicare By phone
In this case, one only needs to contact the Social Security personnel on 1-800-772-1213 (for TTY users, it is 1-800-325-0778) who will schedule an appointment for you and make the application using the telephone conversation during the scheduled appointment time. Sometimes the customer service officer you are dealing with may opt to send you the forms to complete and hand them over.
Either way, what is most important is for you to enroll at the earliest and start using the card at your convenience.
How to Apply for Medicare in Person
If you want to start using the service at the earliest, then visiting the Social Security office would be the best option and especially if you are turning 65 and do not have another coverage.
In the Office, you will be able to fill out the forms for Medicare Part A and B and in short.
Frequently Asked Questions on Medicare
When is the Open Enrollment for Medicare?
The open Enrolment takes place three months before your 65th Birthday and three months after your birthday, which helps to avoid penalties and approvals for preexisting conditions.
When Will I get y Medical card?
One will be able to get it three weeks after the application, and if you applied before 65, then you will get it two months before you celebrate your birthday. Ensure to enroll for Medicare part D plan as soon as you receive the card.
Do you have to apply for Medicare on an annual basis?
No, this is a onetime enrollment so long as you keep paying for renewals except for Medicare part D drug plans that auto-renews annually. But keep on checking for the benefits change on the Medicare part D as it keeps changing so that you can be up to date.
Also, note that it is necessary to apply for Medicare Supplements when you get the first Original Medicare since they will help sort out your bills if you enroll with them.
How long does it take to Get Medicare Part B after Applying?
It takes roughly one month, though this can depend on several circumstances. Our chart will be able to guide you further on this.
Feel free to contact us for more information on Medicare, and we will be happy to assist you further. Do not suffer alone when we can do this together. Again Boomer Benefits will also be able to offer the much-needed assistance.