Medicare Blog

how to sign up for medicare part b only what is needed

by Prof. Royce Marks Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  • Your Medicare Number: Write your Medicare number.
  • Do you wish to sign up for Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)? ...
  • Name: Write your name as you did when you applied for Social Security or Medicare. List last name, first name and middle name in that order. ...
  • Mailing Address: Write your full mailing address including the number and street name, P.O. Box, or route in this field.
  • City, State, and ZIP code: Write the city name, state and ZIP code for the mailing address.

Full Answer

How do you enroll in Medicare Part B?

You can also fax or mail your completed CMS-40B, Application for Enrollment in MedicarePart B (Medical Insurance) and the CMS-L564, Request for Employment Information enrollment forms and evidence of employment to your local Social Security office. If you have questions, please contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

How do I add Part B to my Medicare?

When you have an Advantage plan, Medicare Parts A and Part B do not act as secondary coverage for your Advantage plan. You don’t get healthcare services from both, because when you choose a Medicare Advantage plan you are deselecting CMS as the ...

How to enroll in Medicare Part B?

Some things NOT covered by Medicare Part B include:

  • Physical exam
  • Dental
  • Cosmetic surgery
  • Most prescription medication
  • Long-term care
  • Most vision exams, glasses, and/or contacts
  • Hearing aids
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Cosmetic surgery

How can I apply for Medicare Part B?

  • What does Medicare Part B cover?
  • What is the eligibility for Medicare Part B?
  • What are the exceptions to the eligibility rules for Medicare Part B?
  • How much does Medicare Part B cost?
  • When can you enroll in Medicare Part B?
  • How does Medicare part B compare with other plans?
  • The takeaway

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What are the requirements for Part B Medicare?

Be age 65 or older; Be a U.S. resident; AND. Be either a U.S. citizen, OR. Be an alien who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence and has been residing in the United States for 5 continuous years prior to the month of filing an application for Medicare.

How do I add Plan B to Medicare?

Go to “Apply Online for Medicare Part B During a Special Enrollment Period” and complete CMS-40B and CMS-L564. Then, upload your evidence of Group Health Plan or Large Group Health Plan. 2. Fax your CMS-40B and employer-signed CMS-L564 forms to 1-833-914-2016.

Can Medicare Part B be done online?

You can use one of the following options to submit your enrollment request under the Special Enrollment Period: Go to “Apply Online for Medicare Part B During a Special Enrollment Period” and complete CMS-40B and CMS-L564. Then upload your evidence of Group Health Plan or Large Group Health Plan.

Can Medicare Part B be added at any time?

Special Enrollment Period If you are eligible for the Part B SEP, you can enroll in Medicare without penalty at any time while you have job-based insurance and for eight months after you lose your job-based insurance or you (or your spouse) stop working, whichever comes first.

How long does it take for Medicare Part B to be approved?

Medicare Part B FAQs How long does it take to get Medicare Part B after applying? Approval can take up to 30-60 days if you apply outside your Initial Enrollment Period and do not automatically enroll in Medicare.

How long does it take to get Medicare Part B after?

When your coverage startsIf you sign up:Coverage starts:Before the month you turn 65The month you turn 65The month you turn 65The next month1 month after you turn 652 months after you sign up2 or 3 months after you turn 653 months after you sign up

Can I get Medicare Part B for free?

While Medicare Part A – which covers hospital care – is free for most enrollees, Part B – which covers doctor visits, diagnostics, and preventive care – charges participants a premium. Those premiums are a burden for many seniors, but here's how you can pay less for them.

Do you have to take Medicare Part B?

Part B is optional. Part B helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary. Part B also covers some preventive services like exams, lab tests, and screening shots to help prevent, find, or manage a medical problem. Cost: If you have Part B, you pay a Part B premium each month.

Can I delay Medicare Part B if I am still working?

Once you enroll in any part of Medicare, you won't be able to contribute to your HSA. If you would like to continue making contributions to your HSA, you can delay both Part A and Part B until you (or your spouse) stop working or lose that employer coverage.

Do you have to enroll in Medicare Part B every year?

Do You Need to Renew Medicare Part B every year? As long as you pay the Medicare Part B medical insurance premiums, you'll continue to have the coverage. The premium is subtracted monthly from most people's Social Security payments. If you don't get Social Security, you'll get a bill.

What is the Part B late enrollment penalty?

If you didn't get Part B when you're first eligible, your monthly premium may go up 10% for each 12-month period you could've had Part B, but didn't sign up. In most cases, you'll have to pay this penalty each time you pay your premiums, for as long as you have Part B.

Does Medicare take effect the month you turn 65?

You will have a Medicare initial enrollment period. If you sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B during the first three months of your initial enrollment period, your coverage will start on the first day of the month you turn 65.

What is the number to call for Part B?

If you have questions, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.

What happens if you don't sign up for Part B?

If you don’t sign up for Part B during your IEP, you can sign up during the GEP. The GEP runs from January 1 through March 31 of each year. If you sign up during a GEP, your Part B coverage begins July 1 of that year. You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up during the GEP. The cost of your Part B premium will go up 10% for each 12-month period that you could have had Part B but didn’t sign up. You may have to pay this late enrollment penalty aslong as you have Part B coverage.

How to contact Social Security if you don't have Part A?

If you don’t have Part A and want to sign up, please contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778. Name: Write your name as you did when you applied for Social Security or Medicare. List last name, first name and middle name in that order.

How much is the late enrollment penalty for Part B?

If you sign up after your IEP, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty (LEP) of 10% for each full 12-month period you don’t have Part B but were eligible to sign up.

When is Medicare enrollment period?

During your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) when you’re first eligible for Medicare. During the General Enrollment Period (GEP) from January 1 through March 31 of each year. If you’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), like if you’re covered under a group health plan (GHP) based on current employment.

What is the OMB control number?

The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0938-1230.

Check when to sign up

Answer a few questions to find out when you can sign up for Part A and Part B based on your situation.

When coverage starts

The date your Part A and Part B coverage will start depends on when you sign up.

How to contact Social Security about Part B?

Please contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 ( TTY 1-800-325-0778) if you have any questions. Note: When completing the forms: State, “I want Part B coverage to begin (MM/YY)” in the remarks section of the CMS-40B form or online application. If your employer is unable to complete Section B, please complete that portion as best you can on behalf ...

Do you have to leave home to sign up for Medicare Part B?

For many people, signing up for Medicare Part B doesn’t require you to leave the comfort of home. Please visit our Medicare Part B webpage if: You are already enrolled in Medicare Part A. You would like to enroll in Part B during the Special Enrollment Period.

What happens if you don't sign up for Part B?

If you don’t sign up for Part B during your IEP, you can sign up during the GEP. The GEP runs from January 1 through March 31 of each year. If you sign up during a GEP, your Part B coverage begins July 1 of that year. You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up during the GEP. The cost of your Part B premium will go up 10% for each 12-month period that you could have had Part B but didn’tsign up. You may have to pay this late enrollment penalty aslong as you have Part B coverage.

How long do you have to be a SEP?

You have a SEP if you were volunteering outside of the United States for at least 12 months for a tax-exempt organization and had health insurance (through the organization) that provided coverage for the duration of the volunteer service.

What is the primary payer for Medicare?

If the company you work for has 2 to 19 employees, then Medicare is the primary payer, which means that Medicare pays your medical claims first, and then your company’s health insurance plan pays its portion.

Do you have to be enrolled in Medicare if you are 65?

Many of the insurance companies assume that a 65-year-old member of the group health plan is enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and they pay claims as if the member were enrolled. Either you must enroll in Parts A and B to stay on the group health plan, or the premium is significantly higher if you are not enrolled.

Can my employer pay for my Medicare?

Important: Know that your employer can not induce you to enroll in Medicare (i.e., your employer can’t pay for your Medicare and Med Sup plan – nor can your employer pay you a bonus to enroll in Medicare.) If you chose to enroll in a Med Sup plan, you’ll have to pay the entire premium for Medicare and the Med Sup yourself.

Does California charge higher premiums for Medicare?

Some health insurance companies in California simply charge much higher premiums for enrollees age 65 and over without regard for enrollment in Medicare Part B. Learn about how to enroll in Medicare and a Med Sup plan.

Is Medicare the primary or secondary payer?

If the company you work for has 2 to 19 employees, then Medicare is the primary payer, which means that Medicare pays your medical claims first, and then your company’s health insurance plan pays its portion. If your employer has 20 or more employees, then Medicare is the secondary payer, and your group health plan pays your claims first.

Do you have to pay for Med Sup?

If you chose to enroll in a Med Sup plan, you’ll have to pay the entire premium for Medicare and the Med Sup yourself. The U.S. Department of Labor actually audits employers to see if they are violating this law.

What does Part B cover?

Part B helps cover medically necessary services like doctors’ services, outpatient care, and other medical services that Part A doesn’t cover. Part B also covers many preventive services. Part B coverage is your choice. However, you need to have Part B if you want to buy Part A.

What is Part A insurance?

Part A helps cover your inpatient care in hospitals. Part A also includes coverage in critical access hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care). It also covers hospice care and home health care. You must meet certain conditions to get these benefits.

Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?

Medicare prescription drug coverage is available to everyone with Medicare. Private companies provide this coverage. You choose the Medicare drug plan and pay a monthly premium. Each plan can vary in cost and specific drugs covered. If you decide not to join a Medicare drug plan when you’re first eligible, and you don’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage, or you don’t get Extra Help, you’ll likely pay a late enrollment penalty. You may have to pay this penalty for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage.

Can I get medicare if I have SSI?

Getting SSI doesn’t make you eligible for Medicare. SSI provides a monthly cash benefit and health coverage under Medicaid. Your spouse may qualify for Medicare when he/she turns 65 or has received disability benefits for 24 months.

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