When you become eligible for Medicare, you will need to understand when and how to enroll in Medicare Part B. For some, Medicare Part B enrollment is automatic. Meanwhile, others must reach out to Social Security to enroll in the health coverage.
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Generally, you will enroll in Medicare Part B as soon as you become eligible at age 65. However, deciding when to enroll in Medicare Part B coverage ultimately depends on the coverage you already have. The main goal is to avoid paying the Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty.
Below, we review Medicare Part B enrollment and guide you to successful Medicare enrollment.
What Steps Should I Take to Enroll in Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B is the outpatient care portion of Original Medicare. When you first become eligible for Original Medicare, it is vital to decide if you will enroll in Medicare Part A alone or Medicare Part A and Part B.
To help with this decision, you will need to review your current coverage. If you plan to continue your coverage past age 65, there are a few essential steps you will need to take. First, you need to determine if your coverage is creditable for Medicare.
For coverage to be creditable, it must provide at least the same benefits as Original Medicare. Suppose your coverage is not creditable, and you enroll in Medicare Part B.
If you receive Social Security benefits four or more months before your Medicare Part B start date, you will automatically enroll in Medicare Part B. If you do not yet receive Social Security benefits, you must contact your local office to complete the Medicare registration forms.
When you enroll in Medicare Part B, you must provide the following documentation
- Birth certificate
- Proof of citizenship
- Social Security card
- Current (or former) health insurance information
- Tax information
- Military documents (if applicable)
Once you complete this step, you will receive your Medicare card in the mail from one to three months before you turn 65. Your card should show your Medicare Part A and Part B start date.
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Medicare Part B Enrollment Periods
There are three enrollment periods during which you can sign up for Medicare Part B. These enrollment periods include:
- Initial Enrollment Period
- Special Enrollment Period
- General Enrollment Period
Each of the above has certain circumstances you must meet to enroll.
The Initial Enrollment Period allows you to enroll in Medicare Part B when eligible. The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period is individual to you and always begins on the first day of the month three months before you turn 65 and ends on the last day of the month three months after you turn 65.
A Special Enrollment Period allows you to enroll in Medicare Part B when you had creditable coverage. It lasts up to 63 days after losing group or employer coverage.
The Medicare General Enrollment period happens each year from January 1 to March 31. During this window, anyone who delayed Medicare Part B without creditable coverage can enroll.
When is Open Enrollment for Medicare Part B?
When enrolling in Medicare Part B, you will never need to answer health questions. Thus, any enrollment period can be considered open as long as you are eligible.
However, many people refer to the General Enrollment Period as Medicare Part B’s Open Enrollment Period. This is because anyone over 65 who does not have Medicare Part B can enroll at this time.
Yet just because you can enroll does not mean you will be relieved of the Medicare Part B penalty if you delay Medicare benefits without creditable coverage.
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When Should You Enroll in Medicare Part B if You Miss Your Initial Enrollment Period?
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you may have other chances to enroll in Medicare Part B. When you have had creditable coverage since becoming eligible, Medicare Part B enrollment can happen once you lose your current group coverage. For this Special Enrollment Period, you will have two months or up to 63 days to enroll in Medicare Part B.
Suppose you miss your Special Enrollment Period or delay Medicare Part B enrollment without creditable coverage. In that case, you will have to wait until the annual General Enrollment Period to enroll in Medicare Part B.
Risks of Late Medicare Part B Enrollment
Delaying Medicare Part B coverage can come with some risks if not done correctly. Delaying Medicare Part B enrollment without creditable coverage can lead to a hefty Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty.
Anyone who delays Medicare Part B without creditable coverage may encounter the Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty. The penalty is calculated on a 12-month basis.
Thus, if you go 12 months without coverage, you will be penalized a 10% increase to the base Medicare Part B premium. For each additional 12-month period, another 10% penalty will be assessed on top of one another each month. This penalty is permanent for as long as you are enrolled in Medicare Part B.
To avoid this penalty, enrolling as soon as you become eligible is vital.
How to Enroll in Medicare Part B
When you are ready to enroll in Medicare Part B, it is essential to have a licensed agent by your side who understands all aspects of the federal healthcare program. Medicare can be confusing, so no one should have to navigate it alone.
At MedicareFAQ, we are more than just a great resource and education hub. We provide our clients with comprehensive support from a licensed Medicare agent whenever needed. We ensure everyone receives the one-on-one time they deserve with a knowledgeable Medicare expert who can help you choose the best plans in your area without breaking the bank.
Our services are always free. To receive a free plan comparison of the best Medicare options in your area, complete our online rate form today. If you wish to speak with an agent immediately, you can call the number above for immediate assistance.
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Sources:
MedicareFAQ is dedicated to providing you with authentic and trustworthy Medicare information. We have strict sourcing guidelines and work diligently to serve our readers with accurate and up-to-date content.
- Medicare Part B Enrollment, Medicare. Accessed July 2022.
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/ready-to-sign-up-for-part-a-part-b - Special Enrollment Periods, Medicare. Accessed July 2022.
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/when-can-i-join-a-health-or-drug-plan/special-circumstances-special-enrollment-periods
