Contact the plan to join. You can call them or visit their website. You can also ask for a paper form to fill out and mail back to the plan, but they must get it before your enrollment period ends.
How do I join a Medicare drug plan?
You need either Part A or Part B to join a Medicare drug plan. If you request to join a plan before your Medicare starts: Your plan coverage starts the same day as when your Medicare starts. If you request to join a plan after your Medicare starts: Your plan coverage starts the first of the month after the plan gets your request.
What should I do if I Lose my Medicare card?
Carry your Medicare card with you when you’re away from home. Show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other health care provider when you get services. If you have a Medicare drug plan or supplemental coverage, carry that plan card with you too.
What do I do if someone else is using my Medicare number?
My name changed — Your Medicare card shows the name you have on file with Social Security. Get details from Social Security if you legally changed your name. If you think that someone else is using your Medicare Number, call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
What do I need to join a Medicare Advantage plan?
to join a Medicare Advantage Plan. You need either Part A or Part B to join a Medicare drug plan. If you request to join a plan before your Medicare starts: Your plan coverage starts the same day as when your Medicare starts.
How do you 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.
Do Medicare cards need to be activated?
No activation is necessary for your new card and they are free of charge. Medicare issued the numbers and will not need to “verify” anything. Also, all durable medical equipment requires a prescription from your doctor.
Does Medicare automatically kick in?
Yes. If you are receiving benefits, the Social Security Administration will automatically sign you up at age 65 for parts A and B of Medicare. (Medicare is operated by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, but Social Security handles enrollment.)
Does Medicare kick in immediately?
Coverage usually starts the month after the person enrolls, but can be delayed up to 3 months in limited circumstances. People who are eligible for Medicare based on disability may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period based on their or their spouse's current employment.
How do you get your Medicare number?
To get your Medicare card or number: Sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account. If you don't have an account yet, visit MyMedicare.gov to create one. You can sign in to see your Medicare Number or print an official copy of your card.
Does Medicare ever call you about a new card?
Medicare isn't issuing new cards and Medicare employees don't contact participants through unsolicited calls, emails, or visits. Medicare communicates with beneficiaries via mail. Scammers falsely allege Medicare is issuing new plastic or metal Medicare cards or black and white Covid-19 Medicare cards.
What documents do I 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...
What do I need to do before I turn 65?
Turning 65 Soon? Here's a Quick Retirement ChecklistPrepare for Medicare. ... Consider Additional Health Insurance. ... Review Your Social Security Benefits Plan. ... Plan Ahead for Long-Term Care Costs. ... Review Your Retirement Accounts and Investments. ... Update Your Estate Planning Documents.
Does Medicare start the month you turn 65?
The date your coverage starts depends on which month you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. Coverage always starts on the first of the month. If you qualify for Premium-free Part A: Your Part A coverage starts the month you turn 65.
How long does Medicare approval take?
between 30-60 daysMedicare applications generally take between 30-60 days to obtain approval.
How long does it take to process Medicare?
We'll process your application. It may take up to 6 weeks to process your application if you apply between July and November.
How long does it take to receive Medicare card after applying?
about 3 weeksYou'll receive your card within about 3 weeks from the date you apply for Medicare. You should carry your card with you whenever you're away from home. You can sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account if you need to print a replacement card.
First things first: When will I receive my “Welcome to Medicare” package?
The arrival of your “Welcome to Medicare” packet depends on your enrollment in Medicare. For most, enrollment in Medicare is automatic, but some ne...
What’s in my Medicare package?
Your first piece of mail from CMS will include a welcome letter, a booklet and your red white and blue Medicare card.
Decision #1: Do I want to keep Part B?
If it makes sense not to keep Part B, you don’t have to decide other details about your coverage.
Decision #2: What type of Medicare coverage do you want?
If you do decide to keep Part A and Part B, you have options for coverage:
What if I still have questions after receiving my “Welcome to Medicare” package?
A lot goes into this decision — and the booklet covers a lot of information — but GoHealth offers you even more comprehensive information. In addit...
What if I just stick with Parts A and B after receiving my Medicare package but then change my mind?
If you’ve already started paying Part B premiums, then the answer depends on the current calendar. Contacting GoHealth is an excellent place to sta...
What if I lose my Medicare card?
While you should protect your Medicare card much like you would a credit card, accidents happen. If you can’t find yours, you must contact the Soci...
Medicare basics
Start here. Learn the parts of Medicare, how it works, and what it costs.
Sign up
First, you’ll sign up for Parts A and B. Find out when and how to sign up, and when coverage starts.
Protect your Medicare Number like a credit card
Only give personal information, like your Medicare Number, to health care providers, your insurance companies or health plans (and their licensed agents or brokers), or people you trust that work with Medicare, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) A state program that gets money from the federal government to give free local health insurance counseling to people with Medicare. ..
Carrying your card
You’ll need the information on your Medicare card to join a Medicare health or drug plan or buy Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) An insurance policy you can buy to help lower your share of certain costs for Part A and Part B services (Original Medicare). so keep your Medicare card in a safe place.
How do you get another Medicare card?
My card is lost or damaged — Log into (or create) your Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
Check out your plan materials
An over-the-counter (OTC) benefit catalog, if applicable. The catalog includes a list of eligible OTC items covered under the benefit. (OTC Catalog)
Frequently asked questions by members
We know insurance is confusing. We’re here to help answer your questions.
Answer a few questions to find out
These questions don’t apply if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Do you have health insurance now?
Are you or your spouse still working for the employer that provides your health insurance coverage?
How to become a Medicare provider?
Become a Medicare Provider or Supplier 1 You’re a DMEPOS supplier. DMEPOS suppliers should follow the instructions on the Enroll as a DMEPOS Supplier page. 2 You’re an institutional provider. If you’re enrolling a hospital, critical care facility, skilled nursing facility, home health agency, hospice, or other similar institution, you should use the Medicare Enrollment Guide for Institutional Providers.
How long does it take to change your Medicare billing?
To avoid having your Medicare billing privileges revoked, be sure to report the following changes within 30 days: a change in ownership. an adverse legal action. a change in practice location. You must report all other changes within 90 days. If you applied online, you can keep your information up to date in PECOS.
How to get an NPI?
If you already have an NPI, skip this step and proceed to Step 2. NPIs are issued through the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). You can apply for an NPI on the NPPES website.
Do you need to be accredited to participate in CMS surveys?
ii If your institution has obtained accreditation from a CMS-approved accreditation organization, you will not need to participate in State Survey Agency surveys. You must inform the State Survey Agency that your institution is accredited. Accreditation is voluntary; CMS doesn’t require it for Medicare enrollment.
Can you bill Medicare for your services?
You’re a health care provider who wants to bill Medicare for your services and also have the ability to order and certify. You don’t want to bill Medicare for your services, but you do want enroll in Medicare solely to order and certify.
