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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.

 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.

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.

What is Medicare?

This blog will attempt to answer “what is Medicare?” by  providing a basic understanding of the Medicare program and how it works. In addition, it will detail the other parts of Medicare such as C and D.  First of all lets start with the official definition:   Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older. It is also for certain younger people with disabilities and with End-Stage Renal Disease.  Most people are eligible for Medicare at age 65.

Medicare is made up of four components which can cause confusion.  Original Medicare (Red, White and Blue care with a Medicare ID on it) is Medical coverage with parts A and B.    This is what provides basic medical coverage for those on the program.   Medicare Part C is different than Original Medicare.   Part C is a Medicare Advantage Plan and is something a member can enroll in if they want.  Medicare Part C replaces Medicare A and B for those that enroll in it.   Another part of Medicare is part D which is prescription drug coverage (Also called a PDP). You can enroll in Medicare part D using a stand alone drug plan or access Medicare part D through the drug benefits on an Advantage plan.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)

Medicare Part B (Medical Coverage)

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans)

Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)

The majority of people turning 65 will be signing up for Medicare A and B. (Also called original Medicare)  Those that are receiving Social Security payments will be signed up automatically while those that have not elected Social Security will need to call the local social security office.  There is an easier way to sign up that most people are not utilizing.

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Most people are eligible for Medicare when they turn age 65. Being eligible for Medicare means you will be able to get Medicare Part A and B. If you are already receiving your social security payments, you will be signed up for Medicare A and B automatically.  If you are not electing your Social Security benefit, you will need to take a few steps to get signed up.

First off, you need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes to be eligible for Medicare part A.  You may also qualify through a spouse that worked 40 quarters.  There is no monthly premium for Part A.   Part B can then be elected for a cost of $104 a month per person. (can be more based on income)

As stated, if you already get Social Security payments, you will automatically be signed up.  The effective date of your Part A and B is the first of the month you turn 65.  If you have not elected Social Security, you will need to call your social security office and tell them you want to sign up.  You may also go online to get this accomplished for those that rather use the web.  The site to go online is here CLICK FOR MEDICARE.GOV SITE 

Once you are signed up, you need to then determine how you want to cover the gaps in Medicare A and B and determine if you want drug coverage.  There are 3 basic categories of choices:

• Buy a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) and a stand alone drug plan
• Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan (Managed Care Plan)
• Sing up for a part D plan only

Most people are eligible for Medicare when they turn age 65. Being eligible for Medicare means you will be able to get Medicare Part A and B. If you are already receiving your social security payments, you will be signed up for Medicare A and B automatically.  If you are not electing your Social Security benefit, you will need to take a few steps to get signed up. Read more