How to Apply for Medicare

As you are approaching 65, there are a lot of concerns, questions, and items that are on your mind. Among the decisions are whether to retire or continue to work.

In this article, we’ll discuss the process of enrolling in Medicare. Some people will have automatic enrollment, while others need to enroll manually. And there are timeframes to consider that we’ll go over.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance that the federal government provides for Americans that are 65 or older. In certain cases, individuals under 65 can receive Medicare benefits.

For people under 65, you can receive Medicare if you have certain chronic health conditions or after you have been on disability benefits for two years.

Applying for Medicare

Medicare will begin automatically for some beneficiaries, and others will have to apply. We’ll cover the different situations so you understand which will apply to your situation. You can enroll in Medicare online, in person at your local Social Security office, or in some cases, over the phone.

Retiring from Employment and applying for Social Security Benefits

This is the most common situation. You’ve been employed with group coverage, are turning 65, and plan to retire. In this case, you‘ll apply online on the Social Security Administration website. You can apply for both Medicare and retirement benefits at the same time. If you are getting Medicare for the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, you can apply online.

You should start this process three months before your 65th birthday. This is because it takes time to process the application and for your Medicare to show up in the system.

Turning 65 but Continue to Work

This situation is becoming more common every year. With the full retirement age being 67, more Americans are working past 65. In this case, you should review Medicare options vs. your group employer coverage to see which works best for you. In many cases, starting Medicare provides better coverage and a lower price.

You can apply for Medicare only through the Social Security website as well. If you plan to leave coverage at age 65, the best time to apply for Medicare will be three months before you turn 65.

Sometimes there is a need to stay on the group coverage and delay Medicare. If your group coverage is considered creditable coverage, then you can do so without having to worry about a penalty. If this is your situation, It’s recommended that you apply for benefits three months before you plan to end your drug coverage.

Under 65 with a Qualifying Disability

There are a few ways you can start receiving Medicare benefits if you are under 65.

If you‘re receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits, you‘ll be enrolled in Medicare automatically at the start of the 25th month.

If you‘re diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Your Medicare starts automatically the month that your SSDI benefits begin.

You can qualify for Medicare three months after beginning regular dialysis if you‘re diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Enrollment is not automatic and you‘ll need to apply for Medicare.

Enrollment Periods

Medicare enrollment must occur during enrollment periods. Currently, there are three enrollment periods related to Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. You may be subject to a late enrollment penalty if you don’t enroll when you first become eligible.

Initial Enrollment Period

You’re in your Initial Enrollment Period when you’re just starting Medicare. Your IEP lasts for seven months. It begins three months before your 65th birthday and continues for three months after your birthday month.

General Enrollment Period

The General Enrollment Period is used for people that missed their initial enrollment period and don’t qualify for a special enrollment period. The GEP runs from January 1st to March 31st annually. When you enroll in the GEP, your Medicare coverage starts on July 1st of the same year.

Special Enrollment Period

Special enrollment periods are designated for certain life situations. To qualify for a SEP, you must have current creditable coverage through your or your spouse‘s employer. In this case, you’ll have an eight-month window to start your Medicare once your coverage ends.

When Will I Receive My Medicare Card?

If you’re in a situation where you are getting your Medicare automatically, You should receive your Medicare card approximately three months before your Medicare begins. If you are in a situation where you have to apply for Medicare, It will typically take two to four weeks for your card to arrive in the mail.

You can access your information sooner through your profile on ssa.gov.

Medicare Costs

Medicare does have costs associated with it. Most Medicare beneficiaries will have lower costs because they have worked and paid into the system for 10 years or 40 quarters. These beneficiaries will have premium-free Medicare Part A and pay the standard Medicare Part B premium. The standard Part B premium is $170.10. You may qualify if you are married and your spouse meets the requirements.

If you or your spouse didn‘t meet the work requirements for premium-free Part A, you can buy it. How many quarters you worked will determine if you‘ll pay $274 or $499 monthly for Medicare Part A.

Medicare drug coverage through Medicare Part D will currently average between $30 and $40 a month. There are adjustments for beneficiaries with higher income. This is called an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount and it applies to Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D.

Medicare Costs When Using Coverage

When using your Medicare medical insurance, there are costs associated with services. Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance and inpatient coverage. It has a large deductible for each inpatient occurrence. You’ll pay an additional per-day copay if you’re admitted to the hospital for more than 60 days or to a skilled nursing facility for more than 20 days.

Medicare Part B coverage includes your office visits, diagnostic tests, and outpatient medical services. Part B has a small annual deductible; once that‘s met, there are additional costs.

Medicare will pay 80% of the Medicare-approved amount, leaving you with 20% and any excess charges. Many beneficiaries choose a supplemental Medicare plan to offset or cover portions of their out-of-pocket cost share.

Medicare Coverage Options

When you enroll in Medicare, you have a few options or paths to choose for health plans. You can stay with Original Medicare, which is Medicare Part A and Part B. From there, you can add a Part D drug plan and a Medicare Supplement if you choose.

Medicare Supplements

Medicare Supplements are additional insurance plans that work together as secondary coverage for your Original Medicare. These plans have different plan levels identified by letters. The plan you choose determines how much the plan pays your Medicare cost share.

These Medigap plans will be the same coverage regardless of which insurance carrier you choose. You can use them at any healthcare provider nationwide that accepts Medicare.

Medicare Part C and Medicare Part D plans have cost schedules that are plan specific. They are both administered by private insurance companies contracted with Medicare to provide the coverage.

Part D

Medicare Part D plans are stand-alone prescription drug plans that you’d use to pick up drugs from a pharmacy. All plans are required to be as good or better than the standard model set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Part C is also called Medicare Advantage. This health coverage option combines your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits into one easy-to-use plan. They are required to cover anything that Original Medicare covers.

In addition to covering everything Medicare does, they typically include your Medicare prescription drug coverage and additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare.

FAQs

When should you start applying for Medicare?

You should start the application process for Medicare three months before your Medicare effective date. If you are starting at age 65, you should start the process three months before the month you turn 65.

If you start late due to continuing employment coverage, you should apply three months before the employer coverage ends.

Is it better to apply for Medicare online or in person?

For most people, applying online is a quick and easy process. Some people still prefer to apply in person.

What is the best way to apply for Medicare?

Most people prefer to apply online for convenience and time savings.

What is the difference between Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part A covers your inpatient, hospital, and skilled nursing services. Medicare Part B covers outpatient services such as doctor office visits, medical services, diagnostic tests, and durable medical equipment.

What are some of the benefits of Medicare?

The benefits of Medicare include all medically necessary services. It allows you to see any doctor nationwide that accepts Medicare, which is about 97% of all healthcare providers. If you need to see a specialist, there is no requirement to get a referral.

What is the cost of Medicare?

For most Americans, you’ll enjoy premium-free Medicare Part A. The Medicare Part B standard premium is $170.10.

Does Medicare cover dental?

In general, Original Medicare doesn’t cover dental services. You can get these services through a standalone dental plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Help Enrolling in a Supplemental Medicare Plan

It can be overwhelming when you’re beginning the Medicare journey. You start getting tons of information in the mail and calls about different insurances and not know where to start. Let our licensed insurance agents be your resource for accurate Medicare information.

We specialize in Medicare, so when speaking to one of our agents, you can rest easy knowing you have an expert on the phone. The best part is the use of our agents is free to you!

For assistance with Medicare questions or products, give us a call today. Or fill out our online rate form, and we’ll connect you with the best rates in your area.

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