The process to sign up for Medicare isn’t always easy, especially if you have special circumstances. Here is some information to help you get started.
Getting older can be a minefield, especially when it comes to healthcare coverage. When you need more care for your aging body, the healthcare system has a tendency to make it as difficult as possible to ensure that you’re getting the coverage you need. While Medicare tries to make itself as approachable as possible, the reality is that things can get really complicated really quickly when you’re trying to determine when and how to sign up for the appropriate benefits to ensure continued coverage past the age of 65 or beyond retirement. This is just a basic primer, and any further inquiries should be directed to a Medicare representative or a trusted benefits advisor so that you can approach this process as prepared as possible.
When is it time to sign up?
For most people, the process of signing up for Medicare coverage begins when they turn 65. The Initial Enrollment Period for most people is 7 months long—3 months before your birth month, your birth month, and the 3 months following your birth month. If you do not sign up during these 7 months, you may face penalties for signing up late. This should be avoided if possible, as penalty fees for Medicare Part B result in being forced to pay a higher monthly premium for the entire time you are enrolled.
If you have extenuating circumstances, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that allows you to sign up outside of this 7-month window without facing penalties. This can include natural disasters, operating on incorrect information, and many other scenarios that may result in you missing your Initial Enrollment Period.
There are also special rules for those still working with health insurance, including COBRA coverage. These rules can be a bit more complex and confusing—if you’re not sure how it works, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted benefits advisor—like Aging Benefits Advisory—who can help you make sense of what is expected of you and whether you need to sign up right away or not. They can also walk you through the process of signing up so you can be at ease knowing everything has been taken care of properly and you won’t face any gaps in your coverage.
What is the process for signing up?
Those who apply for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits will be automatically enrolled into Medicare Parts A and B once accepted. While your Part A coverage will start automatically, you can choose to adjust or cancel Part B since it requires a monthly premium.
If you are not signed up for Medicare automatically, you will need to go through the process of your own accord to ensure that you don’t miss your Initial Enrollment Period or experience any gaps in your medical coverage.
Medicare recommends signing up online. It’s important to read through the information provided as thoroughly as possible and take your time during the sign-up process to ensure that everything is correct. This will make the process much smoother and get your insurance benefits online in the following month. If you’re not comfortable with handling online sign-up, you can choose to get help from a trusted benefits advisor or a loved one that can help you manage the process. You can also choose a different method of sign-up.
The other way to sign up is to call Medicare at 1-800-772-1213 in order to perform the process over the phone. This method is required if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).
Contact Aging Benefits Advisory Today!
If you need help navigating the world of senior health insurance, our advisors at Aging Benefits Advisory are here to assist. Take advantage of our free consultation to ensure that you receive the plan for your budget and needs. We specialize in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, Dental, Vision, and Final Expense insurance for the senior market of Pinellas County, Pasco County, Manatee County, Hillsborough County, Polk County, Sarasota County, Citrus County, and Marion County, Florida. If you would like a free consultation, contact us online or give us a call at 727-266-0355. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.