Medicare - Enrollment At 65 Flashcards
What is the Initial Enrollment Period?
What effective dates apply for each enrollment month?
The 3 full months preceding your birth month - Medicare starts on the first day of birth month
Your birth month - Medicare starts the month after your birth month
The month after your birth month - Medicare starts two months after you enroll
The 2nd and 3rd month after your birth month - Medicare starts 3 months after your birth month
What are the four methods for enrolling Medicare?
- If you are already enrolled in Social Security, then you will automatically be enrolled in Part A and Part B. If you want decline Part B, you have follow the instructions in the letter sent by Medicare notifying you that you eligible for A and B (this letter arrives just before you turn 65)
- Online on the SS website - Easiest method. Usually takes ten to thirty minutes.
- Call SSA - Long wait times are typical
- Go to the SSA website - Time consuming.
After enrolling in Medicare, how long does it take to get your Medicare Card?
Typically 3 weeks.
If you want to obtain your Medicare number (aka Medicare Claim Number) and Part A & B effective dates sooner, you can call the SSA.
What key information is contained in a participants Medicare Card?
Medicare Number (aka Medicare Claim Number)
Effective dates (usually the first day of the month you turn 65) for Part A and B
When can you apply for Part D and Medigap?
You can apply for Part D and Medigap during your IEP after your enroll in Part A & B. To complete your Part D and Medigap applications, you need your Medicare Number and your Part A and Part B effective dates, so typically people wait until they receive their Medicare card before starting the Part D and Medigap applications. The goal is to have Parts A, B, D and Medigap start on the same effective date.
Why is it generally best to start the application process for Medicare early in the IEP?
To apply for Part D and Medigap, or for Medicare Advantage, you need to have your Medicare card with your Medicare Number and your Part A and B effective dates. The card takes three weeks to arrive, so applying in Month 1 or Month 2 will insure that you have sufficient time to get the card and then apply for Part D and Medicare (or Advantage) so that they start on the same effective date as Parts A & B.
How can you avoid gaps in coverage for drugs and Part A & B out-of-pocket charges?
Enroll in Part A & B early in the IEP (or SEP), so that you have time to get your Medicare Number and effective dates (shown on the Medicare Card), which are needed to apply for Part D and Medigap, or for Advantage.
