How To Apply For Medicare Without Social Security

Applying For Medicare By Phone

Just like applying online, applying for Medicare by phone is easy. You can contact a representative at 1-800-772-1213.

Get A Free Quote

Find the most affordable Medicare Plan in your area

Depending on call volume, there might be a wait time. If the wait time is above average, you can schedule an appointment to have a representative call you.

The only downfall with applying for Medicare by phone is that it can take longer than online. If youre ahead of the game and start well before your birthday, applying by phone shouldnt cause any issues.

How Are Social Security And Medicare Related

Medicare and Social Security offer different types of benefits, so how are they related? Medicare enrollment is actually processed by the Social Security Administration, or SSA.

Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services oversees the Medicare program, they do not handle Medicare enrollment. Instead, CMS is in charge of various features of Medicare, such as the structure of Medicare benefits and overseeing insurance companies that provide Medicare plans.

In addition to handling enrollment, the Social Security Administration also processes Medicare payments. Many people who qualify choose to have their Medicare Part B premiums taken directly out of their Social Security benefit checks rather than paying them online or using another method.

In general, the way to think of these programs is that CMS decides what healthcare benefits Medicare beneficiaries receive as well as how much everything costs. The Social Security Administration processes Medicare applications and payments. SSA also administers the benefits and tracks eligibility of the relevant population.

If you want to know whats going on with Medicare, you go to CMS, but if you have questions about your specific enrollment, you go to the SSA.

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.

You May Like: Does Medicare Pay For Shingles Shot 2020

How Much Does Medicare Cost

Original Medicare

Original Medicare is divided into Part A and Part B .

• Part A helps pay for inpatient hospital care, some skilled nursing care, home health care and hospice care.
• Part B helps pay for doctor services, outpatient hospital care, durable medical equipment, home health care not covered by Part A, and other services. Medicare was never intended to pay 100% of medical bills. Its purpose is to help pay a portion of medical expenses. Medicare beneficiaries also pay a portion of their medical expenses, which includes deductibles, copayments, and services not covered by Medicare. The amounts of deductibles and copayments change at the beginning of each year.

Part A – Monthly Premium

If you are eligible, Part A is free because you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while you were working. You earn Social Security “credits” as you work and pay taxes. For each year that you work, you earn 4 credits.

You are 65 or older, and you receive or are eligible to receive full benefits fr om Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board

You are under 65, and you have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months You are under 65, and you have received Railroad Retirement disability benefits and you meet Social Security disability requirements You or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment You are under 65 and have End-Stage Renal Disease

Documents You Need To Apply For Medicare

To begin the application process, youll need to ensure you have the following documentation to verify your identity:

• A copy of your birth certificate
• Your drivers license or state I.D. card
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or proof of legal residency

You may need additional documents as well. Make sure to have on hand:

• Your Social Security card
• W-2 forms if still active in employment
• Military discharge documents if you previously served in the U.S. military before 1968
• Information about current health insurance types and coverage dates

If you are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and have chosen to delay enrollment in Medicare Part B, you must complete the additional forms .

• 40B form:This allows you to apply for enrollment into Medicare Part B only. The 40B form must be included in your online application or mailed directly to the Social Security office.
• L564 form:Your employer must complete this form if you delayed Medicare Part B due to creditable group coverage through said employer. You must also include the completed L564 form in your online application, or mail it directly to the Social Security office.

You May Like: Does Unitedhealthcare Medicare Advantage Cover Cataract Surgery

Qu Pasa Si Se Atrasa El Pago De Mi Prima

Si se atrasa en el pago de su primera factura, recibirá una segunda factura. Su segunda factura incluirá tanto las cantidades anteriores como la prima del próximo mes. Si no paga el monto total adeudado antes del 25 del mes, recibirá una factura en mora. Si recibe una factura en mora y no paga su cantidad total antes del dÃa 25, perderá su cobertura Medicare.

I Am Turning 65 In A Few Months And Want To Go On Medicare Will I Be Automatically Enrolled In Parts A And B Or Do I Need To Sign Up

It depends. If youre receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board at least four months before you turn 65, you do NOT need to sign up youll automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month that you turn 65. You should receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday. If you are NOT receiving benefits from Social Security or the RRB at least four months before you turn 65, you will need to sign up with Social Security to get Parts A and B. To sign up to receive Parts A and B, you can enroll online with Social Security, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office.

Recommended Reading: How Do You Sign Up For Medicare Part B Online

Social Security And Medicare Timing

Many people retire and start Social Security benefits and Medicare benefits at about the same time. Its logical to do that. But its not the only way. It may not be the best way for you.

You can make independent decisions about all three. You can start them years apart. You can start them in any order

Avoiding Penalties For Not Signing Up For Medicare With Special Enrollment Periods

There are some situations where you might be able to delay enrollment in Medicare without having to pay a late enrollment penalty. You might qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period. For example, if youâre still covered under an employer or union plan, or your spouseâs plan, you may be able to switch to Medicare coverage after your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period without a penalty. Generally thereâs a time limit on making this transition, so if your other coverage is coming to an end, you might want to talk to your plan administrator about switching over to Medicare. You can also ask a licensed eHealth insurance agent.

You May Like: What Is A Medicare Advantage Plan Part C

You Automatically Get Medicare When You Turn 65

• Well mail you a welcome package with your Medicare card 3 months before your Medicare coverage starts.

Sign up for Part B if you live in Puerto Rico or outside the U.S.You get Part A automatically. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it. If you dont sign up for Part B within 3 months of turning 65, you might have to wait to sign up and pay a monthly late enrollment penalty.

Explore Your Other Medicare Coverage Options

Once you are enrolled in Original Medicare, you can explore additional coverage options.

You can decide to:

• Add a Medigap supplement insurance policy.
• Add a Part D prescription drug plan.
• Switch to a Medicare Advantage plan also known as Part C to replace your Original Medicare coverage.

Medicare Part D, Medigap and Medicare Advantage are all administered by private insurance companies that contract with CMS.

You can apply for these benefits online.

Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to explore and compare plans in your area.

Read Also: Do Medicare Advantage Plans Have Dental Coverage

Essential Things To Know Before You Sign Up For Medicare

Here is all you need to know about enrolling in Medicare before filing for Social Security:

• Working beneficiaries are exempt from the Medicare late enrollment penalty.
• If you sign up for Medicare after the Initial Enrollment Period has ended, you may face penalties.
• Do not put off investigating your Medicare options until you are 65 years old.

Can You Apply For Medicare Without Social Security

December 21, 2021 By Danielle Kunkle Roberts

Many people think you must enroll in Social Security before you apply for Medicare, and fortunately, thats not the case. Social Security and Medicare are tied together in some ways, but in others they are separate. In this post, well go over what you need to know about how the two go together.

You May Like: Does Medicare Pay For Any Prescriptions

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

Enrolling Outside Of The Initial Enrollment Period

Medicare enrollment is restricted to specific periods. If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period , you may sign up during either the General Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period, if you qualify for one.

The General Enrollment Period lasts from January 1 through March 31 each year and allows you to enroll in Part A and/or Part B for the first time. You then have from April 1 through June 30 to choose a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. Your coverage begins on July 1, which may result in a late enrollment fee if you went 12 months without creditable health insurance .

You may also be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period . There are many ways to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. For example, if you defer your coverage because you want to keep the medical insurance from your group health plan and are still working, then you should qualify for an SEP when that coverage ends. Find the full list of qualifying special circumstances on Medicare.gov.

If you are already enrolled in Medicare, you may make changes to your coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period , which lasts from October 15 through December 7. This includes:

• Signing up for an Advantage or Part D plan
• Switching to a different plan
• Leaving Part C to return to Original Medicare

Don’t Miss: Is Coolief Covered By Medicare

Protect Yourself Going Forward

Once youve followed all the steps to get your replacement Social Security card, its wise to take action to protect yourself. You may have received a new physical card, but your Social Security number will remain unchanged, and anyone who comes into possession of your old card can use it to commit fraud. This may mean staying diligent about whats on your credit report for years to come.

The good news is theres a lot you can do to prevent your Social Security card from being used nefariously. In addition to taking steps to protect your identity, make sure your new card is stored safely and securely and only leaves your home or safety deposit box when absolutely necessary. Losing possession of your Social Security card can be a nerve-wracking experience, but youve got tools at your disposal to make sure its replaced quickly and your identity is protected for years to come.

You May Like: Does Cigna Have A Medicare Supplement Plan

What Is The Medicare Part B Late

If you do not sign up for Medicare Part B when you are first eligible, you may need to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare. Your monthly Part B premium could be 10% higher for every full 12-month period that you were eligible for Part B, but didnt take it. This higher premium could be in effect for as long as you are enrolled in Medicare. For those who are not automatically enrolled, there are various Medicare enrollment periods during which you can apply for Medicare. Be aware that, with certain exceptions, there are late-enrollment penalties for not signing up for Medicare when you are first eligible.

One exception is if you have health coverage through an employer health plan or through your spouses employer plan, you can delay Medicare Part B enrollment without paying a late-enrollment penalty. This health coverage must be based on current employment, meaning that COBRA or retiree benefits arent considered current employer health coverage.

Also Check: Will Medicare Pay For An Inversion Table

You May Like: Why Am I Paying For Medicare

When Do I Have To Sign Up For Medicare When Can I Add Prescription Drug Coverage

If you delay enrollment in Medicare Part A, Part B, and/or Part D, you might not be able to enroll just anytime. You might have a Special Enrollment Period, which varies depending on your situation. Or, you might need to enroll during a specific for Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

Medicare information is everywhere. What is hard is knowing which information to trust. Because eHealthâs Medicare related content is compliant with CMS regulations, you can rest assured youâre getting accurate information so you can make the right decisions for your coverage.Read more to learn about our Compliance Program.

Will I Get Medicare At 62 If I Retire Then

If you retire before the age of 65, you may be able to continue to get medical insurance coverage through your employer, or you can purchase coverage from a private insurance company until you turn 65. While waiting for Medicare enrollment eligibility, you may contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program to discuss your options.

Here are other ways you may be eligible for Medicare at age 62:

• Or, you have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease
• You may qualify for Medicare due to a disability if you have been receiving SSDI checks for more than 24 months
• Are getting dialysis treatments or have had a kidney transplant

Medicare information is everywhere. What is hard is knowing which information to trust. Because eHealths Medicare related content is compliant with CMS regulations, you can rest assured youre getting accurate information so you can make the right decisions for your coverage. Read more to learn about our Compliance Program.

Medicare information is everywhere. What is hard is knowing which information to trust. Because eHealths Medicare related content is compliant with CMS regulations, you can rest assured youre getting accurate information so you can make the right decisions for your coverage. Read more to learn about our Compliance Program.

Dont Miss: How Much Can I Make On Medicare

You May Like: Does Medicare Cover In Home Care For Seniors

Signing Up For A Medicare Advantage Plan

If you prefer to get your health coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan, you must first enroll in Original Medicare Part A and Part B and then switch to a separate Medicare Advantage plan.

All Medicare Advantage plans must offer the same Medicare Part A and Part B benefits as Original Medicare, but some plans include other benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, dental and vision.

Medicare Advantage Plans do not all offer the same benefits.

Use the Medicare Plan Finder or call your local SHIP representative to compare plans in your area.

Four Ways to Sign Up for a Medicare Advantage Plan

To join a Medicare Advantage plan, you will need your Medicare number and the date your Part A and Part B coverage began.

Don’t Leave Your Health to Chance

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.

Recommended Reading: How Much Does Medicare Part C Cost Per Month