Canceling Part B Because You Were Automatically Enrolled
Some people are automatically enrolled in Part B if they’re receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when they become eligible for Medicare. If that’s you, there’s a good chance your Medicare card will arrive in the mail even if you haven’t applied for benefits.
If you dont want this coverage and dont opt out, youll be responsible for Part B premiums, which may come straight out of your Social Security or RRB checks. But beware: if you opt out of Part B without having creditable coveragethat is, employer-sponsored health insurance from your current job thats as good or better than Medicareyou could face late-enrollment penalties down the line.
What Does Medicare Part B Cover
The following are some examples of what Medicare Part B covers:
- Ambulance services: transport and travel to and from certain locations
- Chemotherapy
- Chiropractic care for spine manipulation to correct a subluxation
- Diagnostic tests and lab work
- Doctors services, such as office visits
- Durable medical equipment
- Home health services
- Outpatient physical, speech, and occupational therapy services provided by a Medicare-certified physical, speech, or occupational therapist
- Outpatient mental health services, including partial hospitalization
- Preventive-care services, including screenings and vaccines
- Welcome to Medicare and yearly Wellness physical exams
- X-rays
If youre enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, youll still be covered for the same Medicare Part A and Part B coverage you would have had under Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are required to provide at least the same level of coverage as Original Medicare, so youll have the same baseline level of benefits that you would have under the federal program. In addition, your Medicare Advantage plan may cover other benefits to keep you healthy, such as routine vision or dental, wellness programs, or prescriptions drugs.
Signing Up For A Medicare Part D Plan
Medicare Part D drug coverage is optional and available to anyone with Medicare Part A and Part B.
Two Ways to Get Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
In both cases, you must already be enrolled in Original Medicare.
You can explore and compare available Part D plans on the Medicare website.
You can also call your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program for free help.
Once you find a plan that meets your needs, there are a few ways to sign up.
Four Ways to Sign Up for a Part D Drug Plan
To sign up for a Medicare Part D plan, you will need your Medicare number and the date your Part A and Part B coverage started. You can find this information on your Medicare card or on MyMedicare.gov.
Other Information You Need to Provide
- Your primary mailing address
- Whether you had or have other drug coverage
- How you want to pay your premiums
Coverage usually begins the first day of the month after enrollment.
If you switch plans during the open enrollment period , your new coverage will start Jan. 1.
Read Also: How Much Medicare Is Taken Out Of Social Security Check
Do I Need Medicare Part B
We always advise our clients to contact their employer or union benefits administrator before delaying Part A and Part B to learn more about how their insurance works with Medicare. Employer coverage may require that you enroll in both Part A and Part B to receive full coverage.
Common reasons beneficiaries delay Part B include:
When Can You Sign Up If You Missed The Initial Enrollment Period
If you didnt sign up when you were first eligible and you dont have current healthcare coverage elsewhere , youll have to wait for the next General Enrollment Period which runs each year from January 1 through March 31.
Your coverage will then begin in July of that year, and you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty on your Medicare Part B premium for as long as you have Part B coverage. Your premium will go up by 10% for every 12-month period you werent enrolled.
Also Check: Does Medicare Cover Dexa Scan
Consult Medicare Part B With Medicare Brokers
If you have questions, comments, or other concerns regarding enrolling in Medicare, you can turn to knowledgeable people to give you a hand. New Jersey Medicare Brokers offer free, unbiased, and well-researched information about the ups and downs of the Medicare system and how it applies in your area.
Medicare Part B Enrollment: How Do I Get Medicare Part B
To be eligible for Medicare, you must be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident of at least five continuous years and 65 years or older. You can also be eligible for Medicare before 65 if youve been receiving disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for at least two years, or if you have end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis .
Like other parts of Medicare, there are rules concerning when youre eligible and when you can sign up for coverage. If youre already receiving retirement benefits before you turn 65, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B the month that you turn 65. Youre also automatically enrolled in Medicare if youve been receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for at least two years youll be automatically enrolled in the 25th month of disability benefits. Those who qualify for Medicare because of end-stage renal disease must manually sign up for Part B.
You can also sign up for Medicare Part B during the following periods:
You can enroll in Medicare Part B through Social Security in the following ways:
- Online at SSA.gov. If youre not yet ready to apply for retirement benefits, you can apply for Medicare only.
- In-person at a local Social Security office.
Also Check: Do Most Doctors Accept Medicare
How To Sign Up For Medicare Advantage: When Can I Enroll
Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is another way to receive Original Medicare benefits and is offered through private insurance companies that have contracts with Medicare. At minimum, all Medicare Advantage plans must offer the same Medicare Part A and Part B benefits as Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans also include additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage. You must have Original Medicare, Part A and B, to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan through a private insurer.
You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during two enrollment periods, the Initial Coverage Election Period and Annual Election Period.
How Do You Apply By Phone
Call 772-1213 or TTY 325-0778 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. from Monday through Friday.5 Keep in mind that this process takes longer because forms have to be mailed to you, which you then complete and send back. At peak times, applying for Medicare by phone could take a month or more.
If you worked at a railroad, you can enroll in Medicare by calling the Railroad Retirement Board at 772-5772 or TTY 751-4701, 9AM 3:30PM, Monday Friday.
Don’t Miss: How Much Does Medicare Pay For Hospice
If You Already Receive Benefits From Social Security:
If you already get benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you are automatically entitled to Medicare Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn age 65. You will not need to do anything to enroll. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about 3 months before your 65th birthday. If your 65th birthday is February 20, 2010, your Medicare effective date would be February 1, 2010.
How To Enroll In A Medicare Part D Plan
Read Also: Is Medicare Advantage A Good Choice
Signing Up For A Medigap Policy
To purchase a Medigap supplement insurance policy, you must first enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B.
Medigap policies are not required but enrolling in one can help you pay out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.
The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is when you are first eligible.
This is a six-month enrollment period that begins the month youre 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
If you apply for Medigap coverage after this six-month window, private insurance companies may not sell you a policy if youre in poor health.
You can find a Medigap policy by using an online tool on the Medicare website, contacting your local SHIP or calling your State Insurance Department.
How to Sign Up for a Medigap Policy Online
Sign Up For A Mymedicaregov Account
After you sign up for Medicare, you can create a MyMedicare.gov account to manage your coverage.
With your MyMedicare.gov account, you can:
- Get details about the plans youre enrolled in and what they cover.
- Update your personal information.
Creating an account on MyMedicare.gov is quick and easy.
How to Sign Up for MyMedicare.gov
Don’t Miss: When Can You Get Medicare Health Insurance
Signing Up For Medicare Online Step
Signing up for Medicare online through the Social Security Administration is the fastest way to apply.
Enrollment takes less than 10 minutes online, according to the Social Security Administration.
How to Apply for Medicare Online
You will be asked to provide your current health insurance information or, if you receive Medicaid benefits, your Medicaid number.
You may be required to provide additional documentation if you are:
- Not a U.S. citizen
- Applying under your spouses work record
- Over age 65 and transitioning from your employers health coverage
After youre enrolled, CMS will send you a welcome packet in the mail along with your Medicare card.
If you sign up for Medicare on your own, the packet should arrive about two weeks after you sign up.
You will also receive a Medicare & You handbook, which includes important information about your coverage.
To Qualify For Medicare You Need To Get Disability Benefits From:
- Social Security
- Railroad Retirement Board
Youll automatically get Part A and Part B after you get disability benefits for 24 months. Well mail you a welcome package with your Medicare card.
If you or your spouse worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.
If you live in Puerto Rico or outside the U.S.
Don’t Miss: Does Medicare Pay For Ensure
When To Enroll In Medicare If I Dont Want Medicare Part B:
If youre automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B, but do not wish to keep it you have a few options to drop the coverage. If your Medicare coverage hasnt started yet and you were sent a red, white, and blue Medicare card, you can follow the instructions that come with your card and send the card back. If you keep the Medicare card, you keep Part B and will need to pay Part B premiums. If you signed up for Medicare through Social Security, then you will need to contact them to drop Part B coverage. If your Medicare coverage has started and you want to drop Part B, contact Social Security for instructions on how to submit a signed request. Your coverage will end the first day of the month after Social Security gets your request.
If you have health coverage through current employment , you may decide to delay Medicare Part B enrollment. You should speak with your employers health benefits administrator so that you understand how your current coverage works with Medicare and what the consequences would be if you drop Medicare Part B.
Who Must Sign Up
Remember that not everyone who is eligible for original Medicare will be automatically enrolled. Some will need to sign up through the SSA office:
- Those who are turning 65 years old and are not currently getting retirement benefits from the SSA or RRB can sign up beginning 3 months before they turn age 65.
- People with ESRD can sign up at any time when your coverage will begin may vary.
Don’t Miss: Are Medicare Advantage Premiums Deducted From Social Security
Medicare Part B Financial Assistance
Because Medicare Part B requires a monthly payment for its services, some people may find it difficult to pay for the monthly costs associated with this portion of Medicare. Those with limited incomes, in particular, may wonder if there are cost assistance programs in place to help mitigate the financial burden.
In fact, there are a few ways that you can reduce your monthly premiums, or at least make your healthcare more affordable using different programs. One such way is to enroll in a Medicare Savings Program. Run by individual states in conjunction with Medicare, Medicare Savings Plans help you pay for medical costs associated with deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, in some cases. There are four Medicare Savings Programs available, but only three of them relate to Medicare Part B. They are:
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program
- The Qualifying Individual Program
- The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program
Each program has its own eligibility requirements. For example, members of the QI Program must apply every year for assistance. Acceptance is based on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to past recipients. You also wont qualify for the QI Program if you receive Medicaid benefits. If you think that you qualify for one of these programs or need financial assistance, then you should contact the Medicaid program in your state to find out more information.
When Will You Get Your Medicare Card
Your Medicare card will arrive in your Welcome to Medicare packet. Once youve submitted your application, the packet will arrive about two weeks after youve been approved.12
If youre already receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, expect the packet to arrive about three months before you turn 65.
Read Also: What Is Medicare Plan F
How To Sign Up For Medicare Heres What You Need To Know
You can enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B in the following ways:
- Online at www.SocialSecurity.gov.
- In-person at your local Social Security office.
If you worked at a railroad, enroll in Medicare by contacting the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 . You can call Monday through Friday, 9AM to 3:30PM, to speak to an RRB representative.
Delaying Part B Coverage And Late Enrollment Penalties
You should enroll in Part A when youre first eligible near your 65th birthday, but some people may choose to delay Part B.
If you receive group health insurance at work or through your spouses employer you may be able to delay enrollment in Part B.
But once you stop working or that coverage ends, you must sign up for Part B within eight months. Otherwise, youll face a late enrollment penalty.
If you enroll in Part B after your group health insurance ends, you have options for how to apply.
You can do so online through an application on the Social Security website or by mail.
How to Sign Up for Part B by Mail After Employer Health Insurance Ends
Read Also: Can I Transfer My Medicare To Another State
Consequences Of Canceling Part B
If you have a gap in coverage, the Medicare program could tack late-enrollment penalties onto your Part B premiums if you re-enroll in coverage again later. Avoid this pitfall by working with your human resources department to ensure that your company’s insurance is indeed creditable . You may need to provide documentation of creditable coverage during your Part B cancellation interview.
A gap in coverage could also adversely affect your health if you avoid seeing the doctor because you dont have health insurance. And you may have to go without other forms of coverage too. Without Part B, you can’t enroll in other parts of Medicare, such as Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare Supplement , or Medicare Advantage. These gaps will remain until you re-enroll in Part B again later.
Why Would You Delay Enrollment In Medicare Part B
The most common reason to delay enrollment in Medicare Part B is because you or your spouse are still working and receive employer health benefits. This decision depends on how much you pay per month for your coverage, your out of pocket expenses with your employer coverage, and whether you need to keep a spouse or dependent on the employer coverage who is not eligible for other health insurance.
For those of you who work for a small business and your employer has less than 20 employees then you are required to enroll in Medicare Part B when you are first eligible.
If you delay your Medicare Part B enrollment because you have other credible insurance coverage you will not be penalized and can enroll in Medicare Part B whenever you are losing your other insurance. You will have to complete a Part B application form and your employer will have to fill out a formwhich states that youve had credible insurance through them. If you have had your insurance through multiple companies since youve been eligible for Medicare then you will have to have each employer fill out the request for employment information form.
Read Also: Can You Get Medicare Advantage Without Part B