Documents You Need If You’ve Applied For Permanent Residency
You need to provide documents that prove your identity and residency.
You can enrol in Medicare if youve applied for either:
- a permanent residency visa
Youll need to give us all of these documents:
- a current passport or Immicard
- a valid visa
- proof from the Department of Home Affairs that youve applied for permanent residency.
We need these for each person you want to enrol. You dont need to get your documents certified.
If your visa doesnt let you work in Australia, youll have to provide extra documents. You need to prove you have a parent, spouse or child whos any of the following:
- an Australian citizen
- a permanent resident of Australia
- a New Zealand citizen who lives in Australia.
You can do this by giving us any of these documents:
- birth certificate
- joint bank, gas, water or electricity account statement
- proof you own a home together.
Complete a Medicare enrolment form and mail or email it with your documents to Medicare Enrolment Services.
Applying For Medicare With Employer Coverage
Can you still enroll in Medicare coverage, even if youre not yet seeking retirement? The answer is yes! Medicare coverage can coincide with your group coverage through your employer. If your employer has more than 20 employees, your group coverage will work as your primary insurance, and Medicare will be your secondary insurance.
You can choose to apply for Part B, or you can wait until leaving your employer group coverage. For more information on the benefits of obtaining Medicare while receiving group coverage through work, give our team a call, and we can review the pros and cons.
Sometimes beneficiaries dont want to apply for Part B when they initially become eligible because of employer health coverage. Should you lose your health insurance through your employer, or if you prefer to switch over to Medicare, you can apply any time while receiving coverage through your employer.
Documents Required For Medicare Enrollment
Birth Certificate
The Ministry of Social Security accepts only certain documents to verify your place and date of birth. Most people can use their birth certificates. If the birth certificate is not available at the moment, you will need to provide at least two pieces of alternative documentation. Each must be an official document, such as a school or medical census record or an insurance policy.
Citizenship or Residency Documentation
Medicare is only available to citizens of the US, so you will require proof of your citizenship to apply. For US citizens, birth certificates and Social Security cards are usually sufficient. Emigrants must provide a permanent resident card to verify eligibility.
Current Insurance Coverage
If youre currently covered through an employer or state-sponsored health plan such as Medicaid, you must provide the respective insurance information. It includes the insurance companys name, group and policy numbers, and the employer or state providing coverage. You also need to know the start and end dates of coverage and employment.
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Do I Need Medicare Enrollment Forms For Original Medicare Part A And Part B
You might not need to worry about enrolling in Original Medicare . Many people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B when they become eligible, but some people have to apply on their own.
Heres how you may qualify for automatic enrollment in Original Medicare :
- If youre already receiving Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board retirement benefits, youll typically get enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65.
- If youre under age 65, and youve been receiving disability benefits from the SSA or RRB for 24 months in a row, in most cases youll be automatically enrolled in Medicare when you reach the 25th month of receiving disability benefits.
- If youre under age 65 and have ALS , you can generally expect to be automatically enrolled in Medicare during the first month of receiving disability benefits from the SSA or RRB.
But in some cases, automatic enrollment in Medicare may not apply to your situation. Here are some examples of when you might need to enroll in Original Medicare manually, such as by filling out a Medicare application form:
When can I enroll in Original Medicare?
How do I apply for Original Medicare?
How To Enroll In Medicare Online
To be clear, you dont have to sign up for Medicare online. You can do so over the phone or in person, but if youre looking to save time, completing an online application is probably the best way to go.
The first step in enrolling in Medicare online is creating an account on the Social Security Administrations web site. You do not need to sign up for Social Security at the same time as Medicare, so if thats not your plan, worry not. Youll be asked whether you wish to enroll in one program or both during the signup process.
Next, youll need to provide some basic information like your name, address, and telephone number, and youll also need your Social Security number to complete your application. In addition, youll need information that helps identify you, such as your birth certificate, drivers license, or proof of U.S. citizenship if you werent born in the U.S. If youre not a citizen, youll need your permanent resident card number.
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How Do I Apply For Medicare Online
Applying for your Medicare benefits online is a simple 10-minute process for most people, and you wont need to send in any documents or other information to apply. In order to use the online application process, you must:
- Be at least 64 years and 9 months old.
- Want to enroll in Medicare and not currently receiving any Medicare benefits, including premium-free Part A.
- Not be receiving any Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits.
You can complete the online application through the Social Security Administration website. If you have any questions or problems completing the online Medicare application, you can contact the Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213 TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.You can speak to a representative Mon-Fri 7am-7pm.
Please note that if you worked for a railroad, you must apply for Medicare through the Railroad Retirement Board. You can contact them at 772-5772 751-4701).You may reach a representative Mon-Fri 9am-3:30pm
Documents Needed If You Sign Up In Person
- An original or certified copy of your birth certificate or other proof of birth
- Proof of United States citizenship or legal residency if not born in the U.S.
- Your Social Security card if you are already receiving benefits
- A copy of your most recent W-2 form and/or self-employment tax return
- U.S. military discharge papers if you served before 1968
- Health insurance information
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Applying For Medicare Only Takes Around 10 Minutes When You Do It Online
For most people, the process of applying for Medicare health insurance will be remarkably simple. However, it makes sense to seek a thorough understanding of the enrollment process before it begins, so you can ensure that you know exactly what you need to do at every stage.
In addition to understanding which documents youll need when applying for Medicare coverage, it will be useful to understand what the rest of the application process is like. Well run through what you need to know about eligibility, as well as enrollment and documentation.
When Do I Sign Up For Medicare Advantage
Before you sign up for Medicare Advantage, make sure you weigh the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplements. If you choose to sign up for Medicare Advantage, you can do so during your IEP.
If you missed your IEP, you can join during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. For those currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you also have another opportunity to make changes during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
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After You Apply For Medicare
No matter how you applied, once your application is complete, the Social Security office will send you a copy of the information it has on record regarding your application. Be sure to double-check this document for any mistakes, as this is your chance to correct it.
Some time later, youll get your Medicare card via mail, so be on the lookout for envelopes from the Social Security office.
Can I Apply For Medicare Online
If you are approaching Medicare eligibility, you may have questions about how to sign up to receive your benefits. Fortunately, you have more convenient options than making an appointment with a representative and driving to your local Social Security Administration office. Learn how to enroll in Medicare the easy wayonline. Applying online allows you to start and stop the application with your information saved, make corrections prior to submission, receive an online receipt for your records, and check your application status online.
Find affordable Medicare plans in your area
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What Happens After I Apply For Medicare Online
Once you complete your online application, Medicare will review it to ensure all information is complete. Make sure you have accurate contact information in case Medicare needs to contact you about your application information and so that you receive your Medicare enrollment information and ID cards.
Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision letter in the mail. If you have any questions during the application process or after you have submitted your application, you can always call the number above for assistance.
Do you have questions about when to apply for Medicare or what plans and options are best for you? Id like to help you understand your options. If youd prefer, you can get information via email or schedule a telephone call by clicking one of the links at the bottom of the page. To see a list of plans in your area you may be eligible for, click the Compare Plans button.
New To Medicare?
Becoming eligible for Medicare can be daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand Medicare in 15 minutes or less.
What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Medicare
To apply for Medicare, youll need your birth certificate, health insurance info, Social Security card, and potentially citizenship verification. However, if you enroll in additional Medicare parts such as Medicare Part C, Medicare Part D, or Medigap, you wont need to submit additional information.
In this guide, Ill review eligibility and the process for applying to Medicare.
Pro Tip: We asked seniors about their biggest financial mistakes. Learn more in my report: Financial Guidance Across Generations.
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Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
Once you sign up for Original Medicare Part A and Part B, you are covered and dont need to renew it. But every year, during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period you have an opportunity to change your Medicare health or prescription drug plan. This happens annually from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. If you make a change during this enrollment period, your new plan benefits are effective Jan. 1 of the following year.
Read more info in our Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Guide.
It Pays To Enroll On Time
If you miss your initial enrollment window to sign up for Medicare, you can do so later on. But know this: For each 12-month period youre eligible for coverage but dont apply, youll risk a 10% surcharge on your Part B premiums.
If youre still working during your initial enrollment period and have group health coverage, youll get a special enrollment period to sign up for Medicare later on, and you wont have to worry about that penalty. But otherwise, enrolling on time can not only save you money, but ensure that you have coverage when you need it.
Maurie Backman has been writing professionally for well over a decade, and her coverage area runs the gamut from healthcare to personal finance to career advice. Much of her writing these days revolves around retirement and its various components and challenges, including healthcare, Medicare, Social Security, and money management.
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What Costs Are Involved In Health Care Insurance
Health care involves many different kinds of charges, fees, and payments. If you do not have insurance then you will be required to self-pay or pay out of pocket for any medical treatment you receive.
That can backfire if you become severely ill or need emergency medical care. The average hospital stay per day is about $2,607 across the United States.
Surgeries and hospital stays are VERY expensive. For example, these are the average costs of a few common surgeries:
- Heart Bypass: $123,000
- Heart Valve Replacement: $170,000
Imagine paying for those surgeries out of pocket!!
If you choose to buy or apply for a health care insurance plan there are still costs and fees you must pay. However, they are significantly lower than the above-mentioned costs.
Costs and fees you may have to cover with an insurance plan are:
- Premium
- Services that you plan does not cover
- Prescriptions, if your plan does not cover your specific prescription
- Over-the-counter drugs, if they are not covered by your plan
It is important to read your plan carefully before you decide to purchase it. Look at the premium and deductible. See if the plan involves copay or coinsurance.
Make sure to ask the insurance rep any questions while you are reviewing the plan with them.
You can also speak to your doctor to confirm what treatments, services, and medications your plan should cover.
Documents You Need If Youre A Permanent Resident
You need to provide documents that prove your identity and residency.
You can enrol in Medicare if you have a permanent resident visa. Youll need to give us both:
- a current passport or Immicard
- proof of permanent residency from the Department of Home Affairs.
We need these for each person you want to enrol.
You dont need to get your documents certified.
Complete a Medicare enrolment form and mail or email it with your documents to Medicare Enrolment Services.
If you dont have these documents, tell us. Well talk to you about other options.
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When To Sign Up For Medicare Part B
If youre retiring, the best time to enroll in Part B is during your Initial Enrollment Period. For those still working past 65, check with your health administrators whether your employer coverage is creditable.
If it is, you can enroll in Part B when you retire or leave your group health plan. Youll be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period when you can enroll without any penalties. If your group health plan is not considered creditable coverage, then you should register for Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period.
If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, the next enrollment window you can enroll in Part A and Part B is the General Enrollment Period.
What Income Qualifies For Medicaid
If you are disabled or make below a certain amount each year you could qualify for Medicaid. This is a jointly run assistance program. It is provided by both the federal government and individual states.
The income that qualifies you for Medicaid is different in each state. To find out if you qualify you will need to contact Medicaid, a licensed insurance agency, or Medicare.
Certain plans that are offered can save you money, to learn more you need to contact Medicare plan directly or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE . The number 1-877-486-2048 can be used by TTY users.
You could also contact a licensed insurance agency like Medicare Consumer Guides company eHealth. The number to contact eHealth is 888-391-2659
Please visit this like to check if your income qualifies and learn your specific states criteria.
You can call your State Medical Assistance office to learn more and confirm that you qualify.
In some states, if your income is too high to qualify for Medicaid you can spenddown to lower your income.
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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.
What Documents Do I Need To Enroll In Medicare
Youll need to prove that youre eligible for Medicare when you first enroll. In some cases, Medicare might already have this information.
If youre already receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Social Security Disability Insurance, you wont need to submit any additional documentation. Social Security and Medicare will already have all the information they need to process your enrollment.
If you dont receive any kind of Social Security benefits, youll need to provide documentation to enroll in Medicare.
You can enroll online, over the phone, or in person at a Social Security office. No matter how you apply, youll need to provide certain information.
Generally, this includes:
Most of this information can be provided simply by filling out the application. Some details, though, will need extra documentation. These documents may include:
You might not need all these documents, but its a good idea to have as many of them ready as you can. Social Security will let you know whats needed.
Any documents you send should be originals. Social Security will accept copies of W-2s, tax documents, and medical records, but everything else needs to be an original document.
Social Security will send the documents back to you after theyre reviewed.
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