How & When Do I Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B?
There are a number of times when you can sign up for Medicare Parts A & B and each of these come with a set of guidelines and limitations. For some who are lucky, they get automatically signed up for one or both programs. For others, the government offers a window of seven months wherein you can enroll in Medicare without being pressured by any medical underwriting. In some instances, the application process will have to be manually done.
The ideal time to enroll into Medicare Parts A & B is when you’re about to turn 65 years old. You will be provided an initial enrollment window for applying to Parts C and D, as well. It is important to know what this period covers especially if it is your first time.
WHEN to Apply for Medicare Part A and Part B
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
- The seven months allowed for the IEP cover the following:
- 3 months before you turn 65 years’ old
- The month of your 65th birthday
- 3 months after your 65th birthday
For example: If your birthday is in August, your IEP begins May 1 and ends November 31.
Note: If you are not able to enroll during this 7-month period, you have another chance during the next General Enrollment Period. You will also find yourself without health insurance for the entire duration of waiting, which can be risky. Medicare allows for late enrollment, however, but you will have to be prepared to shoulder the late fees and penalties.
General Enrollment Period
The GEP happens between January 1 and March 31 of every year. During this time, you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you were not able to sign up during the IEP and if you are not covered by the Special Enrollment Period although you might be required to pay a higher premium. If you decide to go with this option, your coverage will begin July 1 of the same year.
Special Enrollment Period for Medicare
SEPs may be availed if you were able to delay your enrollment to Medicare services. These will only apply for very specific terms, such as when you still have insurance coverage from your office (employer), eight months after this coverage closes for Part A and Part B, and 63 days after this coverage ends for Part C and Part D.
SEP can also apply if you are still covered by benefits from a union group health plan from your current employment or your spouse’s. If you have a disability and are working, or are receiving benefits from a family member who is employed, the SEP can also be considered if the company where you or your family is working has 100 employees or more.
Special Enrollment is also open to individuals who are volunteers and are serving in another country.
Open Enrollment
If you WERE able to avail of Medicare programs during the given period but would like to change your plan, you can do so during the Open Enrollment Period. Also Annual Coordinated Enrollment Period or Annual Election Period, this happens from October 15 to December 7 every year.
If you avail of this option, your revised coverage will begin January 1 of the following year. Open enrollment was created for several reasons, not just for those who missed the Initial Enrollment Period. To be clear, it is open to the following:
- Those who have Medicare Part A and Part B who want to shift to a Part C
- Those with Medicare Part C who want to return to Part A and Part B
- Those with Medicare Part C who want to change to new Part C program
- Those who are just signing up for Medicare Part A and Part B (who will be given the option to join, cancel, or switch to a Part D plan for prescription medication)
When to Apply for Medigap Plans
You can only avail of any of the 10 Medigap plans when you are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
HOW to Apply for Medicare Part A and Part B
Some people will get enrolled into Medicare automatically, while some have to apply for it.
If you are already receiving disability benefits or Social Security retirement benefits the moment you turn 65 years old, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B. If this is so, you can expect to receive a welcome packet and Medicare ID card in the mail about three months before your birthday.
If not, there are three ways to apply: By Phone, Online, or in Person.
- By Phone: Call the Social Security customer hotline 1-800-772-1213
- In Person: Visit the Social Security office in your area
- Online: Visit the Social Security official website
Things to Remember
- You do not need to enroll for Medicare every year. However, you will be given a chance during the Open Enrollment period to review your program and make a switch as you wish.
- Medicare is under the management of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Social Security operates closely with the CMS by ensuring that citizens are enrolled into the program.
- The Medicare ID is red, blue, and white. It will contain important information such as your Medicare Claim Number, what parts of Medicare (A or B) you have, when your coverage begins, and how to contact Medicare.
- The Medicare number is typically the same as your Social Security number for practical reasons. Be sure to keep this safe and not share it with just anybody, save for your doctors and healthcare providers.
