When to Sign Up and Apply for Medicare

When you are new to Medicare, you probably have questions regarding when and how to apply for Medicare. Understanding when to sign up for Medicare and knowing the right way to enroll in Medicare coverage is important. Below, we tell you how and when to apply for Medicare.

How to Apply for Medicare

Many factors determine when you can apply and sign up for Medicare. For most, the first time you can apply for Medicare is when you turn 65. However, there are instances where you can become eligible for Medicare before age 65.

Signing up for Medicare is simple. Three months before the month of your 65^th birthday, your initial enrollment window will open. This initial enrollment period lasts through your birthday month and ends on the last day of the third month following.

In total, your initial enrollment period lasts seven full months. This is a once-in-a-lifetime enrollment window that you do not want to miss.

If, for any reason, you happen to miss it, there are other opportunities to enroll. Keep in mind that no part of Medicare is mandatory. However, if you do not sign up when you are first eligible, you could incur Medicare late enrollment penalties when you eventually sign up. The only way around the late enrollment penalties that result from delaying Medicare enrollment is to have creditable coverage.

 

Signing Up for Medicare Part A and Part B

If you are collecting Social Security benefits, you will automatically enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B upon turning 65. However, if you are not automatically enrolled, the best time to enroll in Medicare Part A is during your Initial Enrollment Period.

If you worked a minimum of ten years while paying Medicare taxes in the United States, you can receive Medicare Part A premium-free. So, regardless of whether you are still working when you become eligible for Medicare, it makes sense to enroll in Medicare Part A as soon as possible. This will help keep your out-of-pocket hospital inpatient costs to a minimum.

With Medicare Part B, you have different enrollment options. Medicare Part B medical insurance requires every beneficiary to pay a monthly premium. Therefore, if you have health coverage at age 65 through an active employer, union, or other creditable source, you may delay Medicare Part B without penalties – unless you lose creditable coverage before getting Medicare Part B.

Common reasons beneficiaries delay Medicare Part B include:

• Health insurance through a previous employer (such as COBRA or retiree health insurance)
• To remain with spousal coverage, if available, as Medicare Part B premiums are based on income reported two years prior (IRMAA)
• Union coverage
• Employer coverage

Signing Up for Medicare Supplement Plans

As long as you have Medicare Part A and Part B, you can sign up for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan anytime. However, your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is the best time to enroll.

You can enroll in any Medicare Supplement plan when you become eligible, with no health underwriting questions during the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. Thus, you will not face denial due to pre-existing health conditions. Read more about Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment.

Signing Up for Medicare Advantage Plans

If you choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, it is best to do so during your initial enrollment period. This same timeframe applies to Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment. Read more about Initial Enrollment period.

You can enroll in any Medicare Advantage plan available in your service area during this window. If you miss this enrollment period, you must wait until the Annual Enrollment Period to enroll in a plan. Read more about Annual Enrollment Period.

Keep in mind, when enrolling in a plan, it is essential to note that you cannot enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan simultaneously. So, before you enroll, it is necessary to compare all Medicare plan options available.

Signing Up for Medicare Part D

Signing up for Medicare Part D is simple. Once you enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, you can enroll in Medicare Part D.

Like other parts of Medicare, unless you have creditable coverage, enrolling during your initial enrollment period is best to avoid future penalties. To enroll, you must apply through Medicare and choose to enroll in any plan in your service area.

How to Apply for Medicare Part A and Part B

Applying for Medicare Part A and Part B is easier than ever. Once you meet eligibility requirements, you are ready to choose from a variety of Medicare Part A and Part B plans in which to enroll. As we mentioned, some beneficiaries can receive automatic enrollment, and some must apply manually.

There are three ways to apply for Medicare Part A and Part B:

1. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
2. Fill out an online application at SSA.gov
3. Visit a local Social Security office in person

If you have previously been a railroad employee, you can enroll in Medicare by contacting the Railroad Retirement Board, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM at 1-877-772-5772.

Medicare applications generally take between 30-60 days to obtain approval.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Medicare Part A and Part B?

To begin the application process for Medicare Part A and Part B, you will need to ensure you have the following documentation to verify your identity:

• A copy of your birth certificate
• Your driver’s 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 (listed below).

• 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.

Applying for Medicare Part A and Part B Online

Applying for Medicare Part A and Part B online is a quick and easy process on the Social Security website, taking approximately ten minutes. After you have applied for Medicare Part A and Part B online, you can check the status of your application and appeal, request a replacement card, and print a benefit verification letter.

Applying for Medicare Part A and Part B by Phone

Just like applying online, applying for Medicare by phone is easy. You can contact a Medicare representative at your local Social Security office by calling 1-800-772-1213. This number will automatically connect you to a Medicare representative who can help you in the process of applying for Original Medicare.

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 you’re ahead of the game and start well before your birthday, applying by phone shouldn’t cause any issues.

Applying for Medicare Part A and Part B in Person

If you prefer to apply in person, you can sign up for Medicare at your local Social Security office. Their website has a ZIP Code lookup tool to show you the closest office to you.

How Long Does it Take to Apply for Medicare Part A and Part B?

Once you submit your Medicare coverage application, Medicare will review it to ensure all the information is accurate and complete.

When applying, be sure to double-check the accuracy of your contact information. This is important to ensure prompt delivery of your Medicare identification card, as well as in the event Medicare needs to contact you regarding additional information for enrollment.

After your application is received and processed, you will receive a letter from Social Security  with the decision. You can always contact Social Security for assistance if you encounter any questions or problems during the process.

In most circumstances, you will receive a Medicare I.D. card a few weeks after your initial application is approved. Unfortunately, sometimes waiting times can be as long as 90 days. So, be sure to submit your application with additional time.

However, if you automatically enroll in Medicare because you already receive Social Security benefits, you will receive your I.D. card two months before turning 65.

Don’t Register for Medicare Alone

No one should have to enroll in Medicare alone. Licensed Medicare agents are available to you at no additional cost to help you enroll in the right plan and clear any confusion you may have. If you’re uncomfortable with applying for Medicare, we can help!

When enrolling, an agent who understands different Medicare plan types and the coverage associated with Medicare is essential. Plus, when you enroll through an agent, you will never have to pay a fee or be charged extra for your monthly premium. Agents are paid directly by insurance companies.