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How to find my Medicare ID number

There are times when you need to have your Medicare ID number. For example, when it is time to enroll in a new Medicare plan, you need to have your Medicare ID to enter on the application.  If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you may be wondering; how to find my Medicare ID number.

Please note:  if you need to sign up for Medicare Part A and or Part B, you go through Social Security. Once you are enrolled, you will need to manage your benefits through Medicare.

Click here to learn about Medicare enrollment periods

How to get your Medicare ID number

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Late Medicare enrollment

Medicare can be confusing; understanding the rules and guidelines for enrollment is important to ensure you have access to the healthcare coverage you need. Although many people are aware of the initial enrollment period, there are situations when individuals may apply for late Medicare enrollment.  We will go over some reasons for late enrollment, the rules surrounding late enrollment, and how to apply for Medicare.

Reasons for Late Medicare Enrollment

Missing your IEP (Initial Enrollment Period) – If you neglected to sign up for Medicare during your IEP, which begins three months before your 65th birthday and extends to three months after, you may need to wait for the GEP to sign up.

Missed a SEP (Special Enrollment Period) – In some cases, a qualifying event such as loss of employer coverage or moving can trigger an SEP.  If you miss this opportunity, you may have to wait for the GEP.

You have employer Coverage after the age of 65 – If either you or your spouse continue to work past the age of 65 and have employer-sponsored health coverage, you may delay Medicare enrollment. Late enrollment is allowed without a penalty as long as you enroll in Medicare within eight months of losing the employer coverage.

Rules and Guidelines for late Medicare enrollment

General Enrollment Period (GEP) – The GEP runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. Those who enroll during this period may face a late enrollment penalty (LEP).  The LEP is added to your Medicare Part A, if you do not qualify for premium free Part A, and Part B monthly premium amount.   For each 12-month period you delay enrollment in Part B, there is a 10% penalty applied.  The penalty lasts for as long as the beneficiary has Part B coverage. That is one reason to enroll in Medicare as soon as you are eligible.

Learn more about the Part B LEP

Medicare Advantage with prescription coverage (MAPD) and stand-alone Part D plans – Individuals who did not have creditable prescription coverage while they were eligible, will also have to pay a Part D penalty for late enrollment.

How to apply for Medicare

Go to the Official Medicare Website – In some instances, beneficiaries can enroll in Medicare online.  This is the easiest way to enroll.  Just visit medicare.gov and you will see options to enroll.  This website provides comprehensive information for those enrolling in Medicare or if you have Medicare questions.

Visit your local Social Security Office – Beneficiaries can either apply for Medicare over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 Monday – Friday 8 am – 7 pm.  Tell the representative if you want to apply for Medicare A & B or Part A only.  Hearing impaired beneficiaries can call TTY 1-800-325-0778.

If you want to apply in person, click here to find a local social security office.

Once you have your Medicare coverage in place, it is important to get the help of a licensed Medicare agent who can guide you through the different coverage choices available to supplement your coverage.

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Eligibility for Medicare Part B

Part B of Medicare provides coverage for medical services like doctors’ visits, preventative services, outpatient medical services, and other medically necessary items and services.  In this post, we will go over the rules for eligibility for Medicare Part B.

To be eligible for Medicare Part B, individuals must meet certain criteria

Medicare Part B is one part or original Medicare. and Part B is an integral part of this coverage. In General, individuals who are 65 or older qualify for Medicare.  However, there are other scenarios when an individual may be eligible to enroll.

Turning 65

The most common way to qualify for Medicare is when an individual turns 65 and is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident living in the U.S. for at least 5 continuous years.  This period of time is referred to as the IEP.  It is a good idea to enroll during the IEP (Initial Enrollment Period) to avoid a late enrollment penalty.

Disability

In some instances, individuals under 65 with a qualifying disability are eligible to enroll in Medicare Part B.  Individuals who receive either SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or some Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) disability benefits for a period of at least 24 months may qualify for benefits.

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Individuals who suffer from either permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) usually qualify for Medicare coverage.  This coverage includes Medicare Part B.

Watch a YouTube video on SEPs. OEP and Late Part B Enrollment

Enrollment periods

When enrolling in Medicare Part B, there are a few different enrollment periods available.  Once you are eligible to enroll in Medicare Part B, it is important to understand when and how to enroll.

IEP (Initial Enrollment Period)

The IEP is the seven-month period that begins three months before the individual turns 65.  It includes the month of their birthday and continues for three months after. As we stated earlier, enrolling during this period is recommended to avoid a late penalty.

SEP (Special Enrollment Period)

Some individuals may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.  For those who delayed enrollment in Part B due to having employer coverage through their employment or a spouse’s employment an SEP allows them to enroll without facing a penalty.

Learn more about SEPs

GEP (General Enrollment Period)

If an individual missed their IEP and doesn’t qualify for a SEP, they can enroll during the General Enrollment Period.  This enrollment opportunity runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.   It is important to note; late enrollment penalties may apply for those who wait to enroll during this time.

Additionally, Medicare Part B is an important part of healthcare coverage for seniors and other qualifying individuals. Understanding the eligibility criteria and enrollment process is essential to ensure timely access to the benefits that Medicare coverage provides.

Medicare agents, click here to become part of the team at Crowe

A licensed Medicare agent can help navigate the ins and outs of Medicare coverage and ensure beneficiaries receive all the benefits necessary for their healthcare needs and budget.

Click here to see why a licensed Medicare agent is a great asset.

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Medicare premiums

If you are either a Medicare beneficiary or a Medicare agent, you need to know the cost of Medicare premiums.  Each year the costs are subject to change.  Both enrollees and agents should stay updated on cost and coverage changes. Not having the correct information can be a costly mistake.

Medicare Part A

There is no premium ($0) for Part A for the majority of people most people.  Beneficiaries who worked or had a working spouse who paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years) receive premium free Part A.

Those who do not qualify for the $0, premium free Part A may be eligible to purchase it.  Beneficiaries must sign up for Part B in order to purchase Part A.  For 2024, the monthly premium is either $278 or $505.  This depends on the length of time either the beneficiary or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes.

Please note:  Beneficiaries who do not purchase Part A when they are eligible (in most cases at 65 years old), may pay a penalty.  The penalty adds 10% to the monthly Part A premium and lasts for twice the number of years that you neglected to sign up for Part A.

Medicare Part B

The monthly premium for Part B is $174.70 in 2024.  This amount usually changes on January 1st each year. This premium may be higher for some individuals with a higher income level. This additional charge is called an IRMAA, and it effects about 8% of Medicare beneficiaries.  The Additional charge ranges from $69.90 up to $419.30 added to the monthly premium.

Medicare may charge a late enrollment penalty to anyone who did not enroll in Medicare Part B when they were first eligible or did not have creditable coverage in place at that time.  The LEP for failing to enroll in Part B is 10% for every year the beneficiary did not sign up for Part B.  This penalty is different than the Part A penalty; it will last for as long as the beneficiary has Part B.

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Extra help Medicare

Medicare provides programs and benefits to many people. This includes the Extra Help Medicare program that provides qualified beneficiaries help paying their Medicare Part D monthly premium, annual deductible, coinsurance and copays for their prescription medications.
To qualify for this program, individuals must meet income requirements.  Individuals who are accepted into this program do not have to pay any Part D late enrollment penalty they may have acquired.

How to apply for extra help

If you do not automatically qualify for Extra Help, you will need to apply.  You must meet the following qualifications to be eligible for Extra Help.

1. Applicants must have Medicare Parts A and B.
2. They must reside in the U.S. or the District of Columbia.
3. They do not have more than $34,360 in assets that include savings, investments & real estate if they are married, or $17,220 if they are single or not living with a spouse. If your assets are more than that, you are not eligible for Extra Help. Important; this amount does not include your home, cars or personal possessions.  It also does not include life insurance, irrevocable burial contracts or back payments from Social Security or SSI.

If you meet the qualifications specified above, you can apply for Extra Help online.

Click here to apply for Extra Help online

For help with the online application, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Please note: Some people do not need to apply for Extra help.  If you have either Medicare and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or Medicare and Medicaid, you do not need to apply for Extra Help.  You will automatically be enrolled.

Extra Help isn’t available in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. But there are other programs available in those areas to help people with limited income and resources. Programs vary in these areas. Call your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office to learn more

Who can get Extra Help

If you think you meet the financial requirements and have Medicare A & B as well as are a resident of the U.S. or District of Columbia, just complete the online application.  You will receive a letter notifying you if you are accepted into the program.

Important:  residents of Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands or American Samoa are not eligible for the Extra Help program.  To find alternative programs in those areas, check your state’s Medicaid eligibility at Medicaid.gov to find resources.

Additional financial resources

Individual states also have financial resources available through Medicare Savings Programs for those who meet the income qualifications. Use this link to find additional information for financial help in your area.

Beneficiaries can also go to Medicare.gov  or call 1-800-medicare (TTY 1-877-486-2048)to find information on financial assistance programs.

Please be aware:  Extra Help is not a prescription drug plan.  Beneficiaries must enroll in either an MAPD plan or a stand alone PDP plan to have coverage for prescription medications.

Agents, learn how to run a Medicare PDP or MAPD plan quote using Sunfire or Connecture.  Watch our quick YouTube video

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Medicare Part B eligibility

How to compare Medicare supplements

It is important for Medicare insurance agents as well as Medicare enrollees to understand how to compare Medicare supplements.  Medicare supplements (Medigap) insurance provides coverage to fill the gaps after Original Medicare pays its share of covered medical expenses.

Medicare supplement plans are standardized

Because CMS standardizes all Medicare supplement plans, they must provide the same benefits.  It does not matter which company offers the plan or what state you live in. In many states, beneficiaries have a choice of ten different plan choices.  The plans are named by the letters: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M & N. Please note, plans with the same letter name only differ by price.  Insurance companies decide the pricing of their plans based on letter name and coverage area.

Comparing Medicare supplement plans

Before a Medicare beneficiary signs up for a Medicare supplement plan, it is important to consider your health care needs and your budget.  When possible, future healthcare needs as well.  Choosing the right plan can save you money as well as provide peace of mind.

Because the cost for plans varies so greatly, it is a good idea to work with a licensed Medicare agent who has access to the most competitive plans in your area.  Licensed agents can provide a cost comparison and go over coverage details that you may not consider.

Find out the value of using a Medicare agent

Although friends and relatives are often a great help with many things, please remember, each individual has their own health care needs.  What works for one person may not be good for another.

Consider the customer satisfaction record of each carrier

Additionally, in some instances, it may be worth a few extra dollars to have peace of mind and feel confident with your choice of insurance carriers.

Because health care coverage is such an important decision, beneficiaries need to consider all their needs and the options available.

If you want to join the team at Crowe and Associates, click here for online contract.

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Clover Health OTC catalog 2024

The Clover Health OTC catalog 2024 provides members with numerous choices to help them get the most out of their OTC benefit.  Members of Clover Health MAPD plans have the added benefit of the LiveHealthy Rewards Program.

To get started with your Clover benefits, just go to the clover member site and register for your My Clover account.  From there, you can check your reward status as well as your OTC benefit balance, shop online or find a local, participating store and much more.  Clover plan members can access both their OTC and LiveHealthy rewards benefits with their LiveHealthy Flex Plus card.

Agents, watch a quick YouTube video on how to choose carriers to contract with.

OTC catalog benefits:

Clover provides all MAPD plan members with a quarterly OTC benefit allowance of between $30 and $75 (amount depends on the plan benefit).  At the beginning of each quarter, OTC and LiveHealthy rewards dollars are loaded onto the Live Healthy Flex Plus card automatically.

OTC Benefit amounts do not roll over to the next quarter. Plan members must use the benefits before the end of each quarter.  Cards are only valid at participating merchants for approved items.

To download o copy of the OTC catalog and how to use this benefit, Click here

Download the Clover OTC benefit and live healthy rewards guide

Existing Clover members:

Existing plan members will not receive a new LiveHealthy Visa Flex Plus card.  Their current card will have OTC as well as LiveHealthy rewards loaded onto it.  Any unused Livehealthy dollars roll over from 2023 to 2024.

If you need a replacement card, you can either order one online at cloverhealth.com/livehealthy or call 1-800-607-2348 (TTY711) 8:00 AM – 8:00PM, local time 7 days a week.

LiveHealthy Rewards:

Members who complete the following activities earn rewards.
1.  Earn $100 per year to complete the “Getting to Know You Survey”.  This survey is a modified health risk assessment.  Each member can complete the survey online, over the phone with member services or by filling out the paper form included in your welcome kit. Rewards are loaded onto the card 3-5 business days after survey is complete.  Rewards are not available to spend until after the plan start date.  Member may complete a survey each year to earn rewards.

Brokers please note; if you help a new member fill out the online survey within 72 hours of submitting the application earn $50.

To learn more about HRAs, click here.

2.  Members earn up to $50 annually for preventative care.  This includes $10 for receiving a flu vaccine, $20 for an A1C test and $20 for a retinal eye exam.  Clover validates completion through claim or by self-attestation for flu vaccine.  Clover loads reward dollars 3-5 business days after they receive the claim.

3.  Complete a LiveHealthy visit to earn $150 annually.  Members call the phone number on the back of the LiveHealthy Flex Plus Visa card to set up the appointment. The appointment takes place either in the office of a provider, in-home or via telehealth visit.  members are eligible to complete a Livehealthy visit each year.  Benefits are loaded onto the card within 3-5 business days after claim is received.  Please note: providers have up to 90 days to submit the claim.

4.  Get Active rewards are worth $25 per quarter ($100 per year).  Member must participate in one of the following to earn rewards:  SilverSneakers gym or class, either virtual or in-person.  Attend a Clover sponsored event or Clover poll.  Log into the Clover member portal at least 1 time per year.  Clover confirms member participation and rewards dollars are loaded 3-5 business days.

Click here to contract with Crowe and offer Clover health plans.

The difference between the OTC benefit and LiveHealthy Rewards:

OTC benefits provide plan members a monthly allowance to purchase common health care items while members earn Live Healthy rewards by completing activities that promote good health.

The annual OTC benefit amount is between $120 and $300 per year while members can earn up to $400 in Healthy rewards benefits annually.

While there are restrictions on what members can purchase with the OTC card, members can use Rewards dollars to purchase of most items with the exception of alcohol, tobacco and firearms.  Members who go over the OTC limit, can use rewards dollars to complete the purchase if they are available.  Any purchase in excess of the Rewards dollar is the responsibility of the member.

Important: Members may not use LiveHealthy Rewards dollars to purchase alcohol, tobacco products, or firearms. Rewards are not redeemable for cash.  Some other limitations apply, members should check with Clover member services for more information.

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Why use a Medicare agent

If anyone asks why use a Medicare agent, we can provide you with some good reasons anyone should consider using a Medicare agent.

Because Medicare agents complete hours of training on both compliance regulations and the Medicare products available in their area, they are well versed on the plans available and provide valuable information to clients. They can provide clients and potential clients comparisons of several plan options and help find the Medcare plan that best fits their needs.

To learn the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements, click here

Compare plan choices

Because health insurance coverage is such an important decision, it is important for clients to understand all their choices. Choosing the wrong plan can be a very costly mistake.  For this as well as many other reasons, the help of a licensed Medicare agent is essential. A Medicare agent can go over the client’s list of wants/needs for coverage and find plan options that are right for them. Agents help clients weigh the benefit of each plan. Medicare plan benefits, rules, and exceptions may be overwhelming to sort out without a trained professional.

To find out about our quoting tools, Connecture and Sunfire, click here

Consider the client’s current coverage

It is important to consider the client’s current Medicare coverage and find out what about the plan works or does not work for them.  With this information in mind, it is easier to find help them decide whether they should stay in their current plan or if there are better options available to them.

Agents do not charge for their service

As a Medicare agent, you cannot take money from the client for the advice you provide.  This means clients receive expert advice at no cost.  This service is provided for free.  That is one deal you cannot beat!

Medicare agents receive payment through a couple different ways depending on the type of agent they are.  Agents who are employed by and insurance company receive payment based on their agreement with their employer.  Many other agents who are not captive with a carrier, receive payments through the commissions they earn.  They may receive this payment directly from the carrier or if they are LOA, they receive payment from their up-line.  Either way, the amount they make is based on their total number of sales made.

Please note: commission amounts vary based on the plan type and carrier as well as the level each individual agent is contracted at.

Find out about commission levels for 2024

How clients choose a Medicare agent

Here are some things clients may consider when they choose a Medicare agent.

1.  The first way clients choose an agent is usually word of mouth.  If you have done a great job helping their friends, relatives or co-workers, believe me they will hear about it.  People love to tell their friends about an agent who really did a good job for them.  That is why all your clients need to know that you are there to answer any questions or concerns they have.
2. Clients feel better knowing they are working with an experienced agent someone who understands the plan benefits and how they work.  Be sure you are up to date on all the plans in the areas you sell in as well as what the rules for enrollment are.
3. Offer many different carries and plan types for each area you sell in.  Clients want to work with an agent who has access to all the best plans in their area.  Each client is an individual and one plan type may not be the best choice for every client. Do not offer only Medicare Advantage plans as some clients are better off with a Supplement and PDP plan.

Click here for a scope of appointment

A knowledgeable and caring Medicare agent is a very valuable resource for the community. If you make sure you are well informed and truly enjoy helping those who need advice on Medicare coverage, you can become a successful agent with the right amount of time, effort & training.

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Humana Vantage broker portal

The Humana Vantage broker portal is an invaluable tool for Humana appointed agents.  If you are appointed with Humana and have your Humana writing number, you can access the Vantage broker portal.  Just go to humana.com, go to the sign in and enter your username and password.  For new agents, just click to activate your online profile and use the prompts to setup your Humana portal access.

Click here to add Humana to an existing Crowe contract or to start a new contract with Crowe.

Licensing, Certification and Contracts

In this section of the portal agents find their status for licensing, certification and contracts. This helps agents stay up-to-date and ready to sell.

Education

The education section takes you to Humana MarketPoint University.  Once you are in MarketPoint, you have access to complete certifications and any training you need.  You can also access training webinars and job aids.

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