Signing Up: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply For and Enroll in Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers eligible individuals aged 65 and over, as well as some younger people with disabilities or certain medical conditions. Medicare Parts A and B are the two main components of the program. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B covers doctor's visits, outpatient services, preventive care, and medical equipment. In this article, we'll discuss how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B.

When to Sign Up for Medicare Parts A and B

The initial enrollment period for Medicare is a seven-month window that starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month. If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65. If you're not receiving Social Security benefits, you'll need to sign up for Medicare on your own during this initial enrollment period.

If you miss the initial enrollment period, you can still sign up for Medicare Parts A and B during the general enrollment period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. However, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you don't sign up during your initial enrollment period or if you don't have other health insurance coverage.

If you're still working and have employer-provided health insurance, you may be able to delay signing up for Medicare Parts A and B without penalty. However, you should talk to your employer or health insurance provider to make sure you understand your options.

How to Sign Up for Medicare Parts A and B

Signing up for Medicare Parts A and B is a straightforward process. You can sign up online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Determine if you need to sign up for both parts A and B or just Part A.

Most people will need to sign up for both parts A and B. However, if you or your spouse are still working and have employer-provided health insurance, you may be able to delay signing up for Part B without penalty. In this case, you should talk to your employer or a Keen Advisor to determine if you should sign up for Part B when you first become eligible or wait until you retire or lose your employer-provided coverage.

2. Gather the necessary information.

Before you start the enrollment process, make sure you have the following information on hand:

• Your Social Security number
• Your date and place of birth
• Your employment history, including employer names and dates of employment
• Information about any health insurance coverage you currently have, including policy numbers and effective dates

3. Decide how you want to enroll.

You can sign up for Medicare Parts A and B online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Here's how to do each:

• Online: Go to the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov and click on the "Apply for Medicare" button. Follow the instructions to complete your application.
• Phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and follow the prompts to apply for Medicare.
• In person: Visit your local Social Security office and fill out an application in person. You can find your nearest office by using the Social Security office locator tool on the website.

4. Fill out the application.

Regardless of how you choose to enroll, you'll need to fill out an application form. The form will ask for your personal information, employment history, and health insurance coverage. Make sure you fill out the form completely and accurately to avoid any delays in processing your application.

5. Wait for your Medicare card.

Once your application is processed and approved, you'll receive a Medicare card in the mail. Your Medicare card will show whether you're enrolled in Parts A and B or just Part A, and it will also show the effective dates of your coverage.

If you're enrolled in both Parts A and B, you'll pay a monthly premium for Part B. The amount of your premium will depend on your income, with higher-income earners paying more than those with lower incomes.

If you're not automatically enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65 and you miss your initial enrollment period, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you decide to enroll later. The penalty is a permanent increase in your monthly premium for Part B, and it increases the longer you wait to enroll.

If you have questions or need help enrolling in Medicare, you can contact your local Social Security office or call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can also have a Keen Advisor walk you through the process end-to-end and answer all of your questions. Keen Advisors specialize in Medicare coverage and can walk you through.

In conclusion, signing up for Medicare Parts A and B is an important step in ensuring you have access to necessary medical care as you age. Make sure you understand your enrollment options and the timing of your enrollment period to avoid late enrollment penalties. Gather all the necessary information and fill out your application accurately to ensure a smooth enrollment process. If you have questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to contact us for help.

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