Sign up for Medicare On Line
It is possible to sign up for Medicare on line. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Medicare, it is a government health insurance program. Medicare is not only for people age 65 or older, younger people who qualify as disabled and meet certain criteria may also use it. Signing up for Medicare does not have to be overwhelming. You can sign up for Medicare on line, from your own computer!
What to know about applying for Medicare –
You have some choices to make when you sign up for Medicare. When you are eligible, you can sign up for Part A, that’s hospital insurance and it is free. You are also eligible for Part B , that’s medical insurance. Because you have to pay a premium for Part B coverage, you can decide not to take it. Although, if you change your mind and want to enroll in Part B after your initial enrollment, you could be charged a late enrollment penalty fee for the entire time you have Part B coverage. The cost of this penalty will raise your coverage cost by 10 percent for every 12-month period you were eligible for Part B, and did not take it. In some cases,you may avoid the penalty fee if, you qualify for a special enrollment period.
If you are eligible to join Medicare at age 65, you basically have 6 months to enroll in Medicare. The enrollment period starts three months before you turn 65, that period includes the month you turn age 65. The enrollment period ends three months after your 65th birthday. However, if you choose not to enroll in Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period, you will have the option to choose enrollment later. Medicare part B offers a general enrollment each year to sign up, it starts on January 1 and ends on March 31. Your coverage go into effect on July 1 of the same year you enroll.
In fact, If you have Medicare you are eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage. This coverage does have a cost. Although, if you have limited income, you may qualify for help with either all or some of the plan cost.
Important:
If you receive insurance coverage from either your or your spouse’s employer or have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you should check with your benefits coordinator, personnel office or insurance company to see if signing up for Medicare is the best option for you.
Sign up for Medicare on line: CLICK TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE ON LINE
The Social Security administration works with CMS(Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services) by enrolling people in Medicare. In fact, CMS is the agency that manages Medicare.
You can apply for Medicare on line, as soon as you are eligible. Click this link to get the online application to sign up for Medicare. It will only take a few minutes to complete. Once you complete the on line application and submit it, you’re all set. Normally, there is no documentation needed and there are no forms for you to sign. Once you submit your application, Social Security will process it. Social Security will only contact you if they need additional information. Once your application is processed all you have to do is wait for your Medicare card to come in the mail.
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) and or health insurance based on employment, you may want to ask your personnel office or insurance company how signing up for Medicare will affect you.
To find out what documents and information you need to apply, go to the Checklist For The Online Medicare, Retirement, And Spouses Application.
Already have Medicare, you can save yourself time and get both information and services online.
If you are a Medicare Part A member and you decide to enroll in Medicare Part B, you can click the link and complete a form CMS 40-B. This form is an application for Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). After you fill it out, just mail it to your local Social Security office.