Options for signing up for Medicare
Our goal is to help clients understand what options they have when it comes to Medicare, as well as help them understand how their benefits work. Below is information about how to sign up for Medicare…
If you already get Social Security benefits
If you already get Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A) and Medical Insurance (Part B). Information will be mailed to you in a few months before you become eligible. Note: Residents of Puerto Rico or foreign countries won’t automatically receive Part B. They must elect this benefit.
If you don’t get Social Security benefits
If you don’t get Social Security benefits and are not ready to apply for them yet, you should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. The easiest way to apply for Medicare is by using the online application which can be found at SSA.gov. If you don’t wish to apply online, make an appointment by calling Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Important Information about Medical Insurance (Part B) Coverage
Because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you can turn it down. However, if you decide to sign up for Part B later, your coverage can be delayed and you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage. Your monthly premium will go up 10 percent for each 12-month period you were eligible for Part B, but didn’t sign up for it unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.
For more information, visit medicare.gov.
Storen Financial has a Medicare Benefit Specialist on staff to answer your questions. Schedule a 1-on-1 no cost consultation today! Click here to contact us now.
Blog by Ruth Hoffman – Medicare Benefits Specialist
Learn more about Ruth and the rest of the Storen Financial team here.