SENIORS
How & When to Apply for Medicare
Timing on this task is important. Learn more about how to take action.
Initial Enrollment Period
Medicare Part A for most people is generally, free. If you’ve not had at least ten years of work history within the US, then Medicare Part A may not be free. Inpatient hospital stays is one of the aspects of healthcare covered under Part A, others are stays in Skilled Nursing Facilities, hospice, lab tests, and home health care.
It is important to note that Part A does NOT cover Long Term Care.
Retirement or Loss of Employer Coverage
Many folks entering retirement will have several decisions to make concerning the continuation of their health benefits. Some employers offer retiree coverageGroup health insurance in which the benefits are determined by the company offering the plan., which extends past age 65. While others, may offer retiree coverage that ends at age 65. If this is the case, in which you are losing employer medical coverage, several terms apply.
1. You have a window in which you can enroll into Medicare benefits, without receiving a late enrollment penalty.
2. Once you have enrolled into Medicare, you have another window of opportunity to have a medicare supplement policy issued with no medical underwriting. medical underwritingInsurance carriers may have the ability to use health information to determine whether they will accept an applicant, or deny coverage..
3. Explore the complexities of your unique situation with a complimentary broker consult today.
How to Apply Online
The quickest way to enroll for Medicare is online. To do so, you’ll first go to Medicare.gov.
There is a button on the home page that says “Apply for Medicare”. You’ll select this and the link will take you to the correct landing page on the Social Security Administration’s website. Don’t worry, this application is not beginning your SSA benefit check, it is simply allowing you to submit an application for Part A and B.
If you’re over the age of 65 and have had employer coverage, you’ll also want to mail in the form CMS-L564, which will serve as proof of your creditable coverage.
(Note: You’ll need to have your Human Resources director fill out and sign part of the form.)You can mail this Employer Information Form to your local SSA office after you’ve applied for Part A and B online.
Next Steps
You can expect to receive a letter from the Social Security Administration with a confirmation of your application. If they’ve approved your application, you can expect to receive your Medicare card within the next three weeks.
After you’ve received your Medicare card, you’ll be ready to enroll in a supplemental Medicare plan. Contact a licensed insurance agent to assist you with finding a plan in your area. It is important to find the right plan that is going to fit your financial and health needs.
Assistance on Standby.
Don’t go at this alone. Our benefit advisors are standing by to assist you along the way.
