How to Apply for Medicare
How to apply | When to apply | Common questions
Applying for Medicare can be a confusing process... especially when you try to do it alone. Many of our clients come to us feeling overwhelmed by the enrollment process. Between all of the mail you’re getting from the government and private insurance companies and independent agencies, it can be hard to separate the good information from the bad.
We are here for you. Within a matter of minutes speaking with one of our ‘Even Better’ Medicare plan experts, you will feel confident that you’re applying correctly! The best part is that it’s never been easier to apply for Medicare!
HOW TO APPLY: A Simple Checklist
Understand when you are eligible to apply (we cover that here (link to eligibility)).
Start your application process. You only apply for Medicare Parts A and B through the Social Security Administration:
Apply online via the Social Security Administration here,
Apply over the telephone (Toll Free: 1-800-772-1213),
Apply In-person at your local Social Security Office.
WHEN TO APPLY:
We always recommend applying 3 months before your 65th birthday. It will give you peace of mind knowing that your Medicare card is in your wallet and ready to go as soon as your 65th birthday month starts!
Applying For Medicare while you are still working: When applying for Medicare and still working, it is important to understand which insurance (Medicare or your employer’s group plan) will be your primary insurance and thus will pay for your bills first when you seek care.
If you get group health coverage through a small employer (less than 20 employees): In this case, it is recommended that you apply for both Part A and B, because Medicare will be your primary insurance and thus will be billed first and your employer’s plan will be billed second.
If you get group health coverage through a large employer (more than 20 employees): If you or a spouse currently get coverage through an employer group health plan, then you may not need to apply for Part B until you plan on leaving your employer coverage.
Union or Retiree Coverage: If you get coverage through a union or other similar retiree plan, we always strongly advise checking with your plan’s administrator prior to making changes to see how Medicare will work with your employer or union plan.
For more see our article on Medicare and Other Insurance.
Common Questions
When will I receive my Medicare card after I apply? If you are not already receiving social security benefits: It usually takes around 3 weeks for your card to arrive after your application has been submitted and processed.
If you are receiving social security benefits and are about to turn 65: In most cases you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare parts A and B without applying and should receive your card 8 weeks before the 1st day of your 65th birthday month.
Once I apply and receive my Medicare card with Parts A and B, am I completely covered? While it is certainly cause to celebrate, it is very important to remember that your Medicare card with Part A and B together still only cover 80% of your healthcare costs, and have deductibles and coinsurance. Put simply, your Medicare card does not cover all of your healthcare costs by itself. Many clients choose to add a Medicare Supplement plan, a prescription drug plan, or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan to help cover the deductibles and coinsurance that your Medicare card doesn’t.
Do I need to reapply for Medicare every year? No, once you apply for Medicare you do not need to reapply. You simply need to ensure that you continue paying your Part A and/ Part B monthly premiums.
I’ve applied, now when can I enroll in a plan? For a more detailed explanation of all the Medicare enrollment periods, click here.
Still have questions about applying for Medicare? Need help figuring how to locate your local social security? Contact us today!