How Do I Get Medicare Part B?
Most people will get Medicare Part B automatically during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). If you are automatically enrolled, you will receive your red, white and blue Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday (or the 25th month of your disability). If you are not collecting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits you will need to sign up for Medicare Part B.
What if I didn’t sign up?
If you did not sign up for Medicare Part B when you are first eligible and you do not have a special circumstance to enroll midstream, you will need to sign up during the General Enrollment Period (GEP), which is January 1st – March 31st of each year. If you enroll during GEP, your coverage will start the first of the following month.
What’s a special circumstance?
If you have a special circumstance to enroll midstream (ie: you are leaving your employer or union coverage), Medicare may ask you to fill out additional documentation. The purpose of these additional forms is to provide documentation that you have been continuously covered by a group health plan with no lapse in coverage.
How much are premiums?
Medicare Part B recipients pay a monthly Part B premium. The price of the Part B premium is dependent on your annual income (as indicated on your individual or joint tax return). The average American recipient pays a premium of $202.90 each month for Medicare Part B coverage, but it can cost as much as $689.90 a month per individual.
How can I sign up for Medicare Part B?
Sign up for Medicare Part B by using Medicare’s online enrollment application. If you use this method your application will be submitted electronically. Typically these documents require no signatures or proofs of identity. Here is a link to apply for Medicare Part B online.
You can also sign up in person by visiting your local Social Security office or calling Social Security at 1-888-771-1213
Plan Medicare can assist you in enrolling in the right Part B plan or Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans. Contact us today – we are here to help.
