How To Apply For Medicare?

Enrolling in medicare can be confusing because there are multiple ways and scenarios for enrollment.  Below you have detailed the ways you can apply for medicare.

If You Receive Social Security Benefits

If you receive benefits form the social security administration, then your enrollment in medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) will be automatic.  You will be automatically enrolled the first day of the month that you turn 65. You don’t have to lift a finger!

Your medicare card will be mailed to you three months before your 65th birthday.  Your medicare insurance is effective one month before your birthday.

If You Do Not Receive Social Security Benefits

If you are about to to turn 65, and you do not receive social security benefits, then you will have to enroll in medicare yourself.  You have a seven month period to enroll. These seven months start three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday and three months after your 65th birthday.  If you miss this enrollment period, you can enroll during the free enrollment period, which is from October 15 – December 7.  If you try to enroll at any other time other than the seven months around your 65th birthday or the free enrollment period, you will have to pay a penalty.

Before you apply for medicare, make sure you complete the checklist that is available online.  This way you will have everything you need prepared beforehand.

You can find the checklist here:

www.ssa.gov/hlp/isba/10/isba-checklist.pdf

You can apply through the following ways:

Calling 1-800-772-1213

Go To www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare/apply.html and select “Apply for Medicare Only.”

If you are under age 65 and disabled:

If you are under the age of 65 and disabled, you are qualified for medicaid under the Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.  Once you reach the 25th month of disability you will automatically qualify for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.  This will have medicaid for 24 months and will receive your medicaid card 3 months before your coverage begins.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is also referred to as Medicare Part C.  Medicare Part C covers everything that Medicare Plan A and Medicare Plan B cover and it also covers prescription drugs.  You can enroll in Medicare Part C during the initial enrollment period.  Generally, this period is when you enroll in Medicare Part B.

Enrolling in Medicare is not hard.  You just have to know the rules and regulations and how it applies to your situation.  Make sure you