Medicare Blog

how to get started on medicare

by Maud Muller V Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How do I enroll in Medicare for the first time?

Apply online (at Social Security) – This is the easiest and fastest way to sign up and get any financial help you may need. You'll need to create your secure my Social Security account to sign up for Medicare or apply for Social Security benefits online. Call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

When should I start applying for Medicare?

Generally, you're first eligible starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, you might have to wait to sign up and go months without coverage. You might also pay a monthly penalty for as long as you have Part B.

What do you need to apply for Medicare?

What documents do I need to enroll in Medicare?your Social Security number.your date and place of birth.your citizenship status.the name and Social Security number of your current spouse and any former spouses.the date and place of any marriages or divorces you've had.More items...

Can I enroll myself in Medicare?

There are three ways to enroll yourself in Medicare Part A and Part B: Online at www.SocialSecurity.gov . Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7a. m. to 7p.

Does Medicare start on birthdays?

Your Medicare coverage generally starts on the first day of your birthday month. If your birthday falls on the first day of the month, your Medicare coverage starts the first day of the previous month. If you qualify for Medicare because of a disability or illness, in most cases your IEP is also seven months.

Do I need to notify Social Security when I turn 65?

Is it automatic when I turn 65? To enroll in Medicare, most people need to contact Social Security directly. Do this before your 65th birthday to avoid a lapse in health coverage.Sep 15, 2013

Does Medicare coverage start the month you turn 65?

For most people, Medicare coverage starts the first day of the month you turn 65. Some people delay enrollment and remain on an employer plan. Others may take premium-free Part A and delay Part B. If someone is on Social Security Disability for 24 months, they qualify for Medicare.

Is Medicare Part A free?

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) Most people get Part A for free, but some have to pay a premium for this coverage. To be eligible for premium-free Part A, an individual must be entitled to receive Medicare based on their own earnings or those of a spouse, parent, or child.Dec 1, 2021

Does Medicare cover dental?

Dental services Medicare doesn't cover most dental care (including procedures and supplies like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices). Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B?

Medicare will enroll you in Part B automatically. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you're not getting disability benefits and Medicare when you turn 65, you'll need to call or visit your local Social Security office, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Is Medicare Part A free at age 65?

Most people age 65 or older are eligible for free Medical hospital insurance (Part A) if they have worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough. You can enroll in Medicare medical insurance (Part B) by paying a monthly premium. Some beneficiaries with higher incomes will pay a higher monthly Part B premium.

Does Medicare need Part B?

Medicare Part B isn't a legal requirement, and you don't need it in some situations. In general, if you're eligible for Medicare and have creditable coverage, you can postpone Part B penalty-free. Creditable coverage includes the insurance provided to you or your spouse through work.

Parts of Medicare

Learn the parts of Medicare and what they cover. Get familiar with other terms and the difference between Medicare and Medicaid.

General costs

Discover what cost words mean and what you’ll pay for each part of Medicare.

How Medicare works

Follow 2 steps to set up your Medicare coverage. Find out how Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage work.

Working past 65

Find out what to do if you’re still working & how to get Medicare when you retire.

How long does Medicare enrollment last?

This 7-month period includes the three months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the three months after you turn 65.

What are the parts of Medicare?

Understanding the different parts of Medicare 1 Medicare Part A provides hospital insurance in the form of inpatient hospital stays, care in skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and some home health care situations. 2 Medicare Part B covers many doctors’ services, outpatient care and services, medical supplies, and an array of preventative services. 3 When you turn 65, you'll need to enroll in Part A and Part B through the Social Security Administration. Most people will pay the standard Part B premium amount of $144.60 in 2020 (up from $135.50 in 2019). Few people pay a premium for Part A. 4 Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage. These are private health plans that contract with Medicare to provide both Part A and Part B coverage. These plans typically include HMOs and PPOs. Medicare Part C plans must cover all the same services as Parts A and B, but they may also cover added services such as eye exams, hearing aids, and other types of add-on services. Some plans also include prescription drug coverage as well. Because Part C is optional, you will end up paying a premium if you choose to go this route. 5 Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. Under Part D, the Federal government subsidizes the cost of prescription drugs and drug insurance premiums. You can get Part D coverage as a standalone benefit, or it can be included in Part C coverage.

What is Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. Under Part D, the Federal government subsidizes the cost of prescription drugs and drug insurance premiums. You can get Part D coverage as a standalone benefit, or it can be included in Part C coverage.

Does Medicare Part C cover hearing aids?

Medicare Part C plans must cover all the same services as Parts A and B, but they may also cover added services such as eye exams, hearing aids , and other types of add -on services. Some plans also include prescription drug coverage as well.

What does Medicare cover?

Check if Medicare covers your test, item, or service. Or, download our "What's covered?" mobile app to quickly find covered services. If something isn't covered, talk to your doctor or other health care provider about why you need it.

What Medicare Advantage Plans & drug plans cover

Medicare Advantage Plans must cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers, and may offer some extra benefits — like vision, hearing, and dental services.

What is Medicare training 101?

The Benefits of Medicare Training 101. By learning the proper etiquette on how to reach out to clients, sell Medicare products over the phone, handle rejections, and close on a sale, you will be successful in marketing yourself as an agent. In taking these beginner steps of training, you will be fit to get started in making a difference in your ...

What is AHIP certification?

The AHIP certification or “America’s Health Insurance Plans” certification is a must. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires it. When certified, this will guarantee that you are ready to sell as an agent.

What is an FMO?

An FMO is a company that presents health insurance plans from many insurance companies.

Is selling Medicare products a good career?

As a Medicare agent, selling products can be a profitable and rewarding career choice. It offers the opportunity to cultivate your personal business and enjoy long-term income for years to come.

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