Medicare Blog

medicare part a when should i apply

by Ms. Peggie Labadie Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Generally, you're first eligible to sign up for Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you sign up for Medicare, stop your Marketplace coverage so it ends when your Medicare coverage starts.

Full Answer

When should you sign up for Medicare Part?

While some people who sign up for Medicare are retired, others are still working. Whatever your situation, you become eligible for Medicare when you reach 65. 2 In fact, if you are already receiving Social Security, you'll be enrolled in Medicare automatically the month you turn 65. 3 The card will arrive in the mail. 4

When can you start applying for Medicare?

You’re first eligible to sign up for Medicare 3 months before you turn 65. You may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease). Follow these steps to learn about Medicare, how to sign up, and your coverage options. Learn about it at your own pace. Step 1

When do I sign up for Medicare Part?

According to Medicare.gov, you have a seven-month “initial enrollment period” to sign up for Part A, which provides inpatient/hospital ... ll be hit with this penalty every month until you do enroll. Based on 2021 costs, that’s an extra $14.85 ...

How do you sign up for Medicare Part?

Note: When completing the forms CMS-40B and CMS-L564:

  • 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 as you can on behalf of your employer without your employer's signature.
  • Also submit one of the following forms of secondary evidence:

More items...

When do you get enrolled in Medicare?

How long do you have to enroll in Medicare Part B?

Why is it important to keep up with Medicare enrollment deadlines?

What is Medicare Part C?

What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare?

How many months does Janice have to sign up for Medicare?

How much is the Medicare penalty for a full year?

See more

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How many months before my birthday should I apply for Medicare?

three monthsWhen Should You Apply for Medicare? In most cases, you should apply for Medicare as soon as you're eligible. The initial enrollment period starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and extends three months past the month you turn 65, giving you a seven-month window to apply.

Do I automatically get Medicare Part A when I turn 65?

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 Part A start automatically?

You automatically get Part A and Part B after you get disability benefits from Social Security or certain disability benefits from the RRB for 24 months. If you're automatically enrolled, you'll get your Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of disability.

What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Part A at 65?

If you don't have to pay a Part A premium, you generally don't have to pay a Part A late enrollment penalty. The Part A penalty is 10% added to your monthly premium. You generally pay this extra amount for twice the number of years that you were eligible for Part A but not enrolled.

Does Medicare Part A cover 100 percent?

Most medically necessary inpatient care is covered by Medicare Part A. If you have a covered hospital stay, hospice stay, or short-term stay in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare Part A pays 100% of allowable charges for the first 60 days after you meet your Part A deductible.

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.

Do I get Part A automatically?

You automatically get Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. because you're getting benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board).

Is Medicare Part A free?

Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A (sometimes called "premium-free Part A"). If you buy Part A, you'll pay up to $499 each month in 2022. If you paid Medicare taxes for less than 30 quarters, the standard Part A premium is $499.

Do I need to contact 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.

Can I delay Medicare Part A?

However, if you have to pay a premium for Part A, you can delay Part A until you (or your spouse) stop working or lose that employer coverage. You will NOT pay a penalty for delaying Part A, as long as you enroll within 8 months of losing your coverage or stopping work (whichever happens first).

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...

How much does Medicare cost at age 62?

Reaching age 62 can affect your spouse's Medicare premiums He can still receive Medicare Part A, but he will have to pay a monthly premium for it. In 2020, the Medicare Part A premium can be as high as $458 per month.

When to Sign Up For Medicare

How can you make sure that you’re adhering to the deadlines? Rest assured that we’re here to help you sort through the important dates, so that you...

Medicare Part A Enrollment Deadlines

Some people get enrolled in Medicare Part A automatically. If you meet one of the following conditions, you may be enrolled in Medicare Part A thre...

Medicare Part B Enrollment Deadlines

Medicare Part B enrollment deadlines mimic those of Part A enrollment deadlines. Initial enrollment into Part B is automatic for the same people li...

Medicare Part C Enrollment Deadlines

Medicare Part C is usually referred to as a Medicare Advantage Plan. In these plans, you get the benefits of Medicare Parts A, B and D at once. Man...

Medicare Part D Enrollment Deadlines

For people who need a lot of prescriptions or those with costly prescriptions, a Medicare Part D drug plan may help offset the cost of monthly pres...

Medigap Enrollment Deadlines

Are you looking for ways to supplement your coverage through Medicare? You may want to consider buying a Medigap policy. Medigap insurance helps pa...

The Importance of Enrollment Deadlines

Why do these deadlines matter? As mentioned above, you could be charged late enrollment penalties for enrolling after your initial enrollment perio...

Turning 65 next year, when should I enroll for Medicare?

En español | If you already receive Social Security benefits, Social Security will automatically sign you up for Medicare Part A and Part B — though you can decline Part B enrollment if you want to. Otherwise, you need to apply for Medicare. The best time to do that depends entirely on your own situation. Broadly, there are two options:

Will I Be Automatically Enrolled In Medicare At 65?

The Social Security Administration will automatically sign you up at age 65 for the basic Medicare services: parts A and B. Read to learn more.

When should I sign up for Medicare? | HHS.gov

HHS Headquarters. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20201 Toll Free Call Center: 1-877-696-6775

Original Medicare (Part A and B) Eligibility and Enrollment | CMS

Medicare Part A and Part B Eligibility and Enrollment This page contains information on Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B eligibility and enrollment. For more information about Medicare for people who are still working, go to our Employer Page or I’m 65 and Still Working page. We are continuing to improve this page, check back to see new improvements.

Your first chance to sign up (Initial Enrollment Period)

Generally, when you turn 65. This is called your Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65.

Between January 1-March 31 each year (General Enrollment Period)

You can sign up between January 1-March 31 each year. This is called the General Enrollment Period. Your coverage starts July 1. You might pay a monthly late enrollment penalty, if you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Special Situations (Special Enrollment Period)

There are certain situations when you can sign up for Part B (and Premium-Part A) during a Special Enrollment Period without paying a late enrollment penalty. A Special Enrollment Period is only available for a limited time.

Joining a plan

A type of Medicare-approved health plan from a private company that you can choose to cover most of your Part A and Part B benefits instead of Original Medicare. It usually also includes drug coverage (Part D).

When do you get enrolled in Medicare?

If you meet one of the following conditions, you may be enrolled in Medicare Part A three months prior to your 65th birthday or during the 25th month of your disability, depending on circumstance:

How long do you have to enroll in Medicare Part B?

You have seven months to enroll in Part B if you don’t qualify for automatic enrollment. However, there are a few differences when it comes to Medicare Part B. First, Part B requires a premium, whereas most people don’t have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A.

Why is it important to keep up with Medicare enrollment deadlines?

It’s important to keep up with the deadlines because you may be charged late fees if you don’t enroll on time. Don’t get caught in the rush during enrollment season. Get all of the facts now as to when exactly you should apply ...

What is Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C Enrollment Deadlines. Medicare Part C is usually referred to as a Medicare Advantage Plan. In these plans, you get the benefits of Medicare Parts A, B and D at once. Many people choose Medicare Advantage because there are more flexible options, in terms of benefits and premium costs.

What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare?

If you don’t enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), then you may be charged a penalty fee if you enroll later. Penalty fees are assessed for as many months as you lacked Medicare coverage; this sum can add up over time. Numbers and dates tend to run together for some people.

How many months does Janice have to sign up for Medicare?

In other words, Janice has a total of seven complete months to sign up for Medicare: the three months leading up to her 65th birthday, the month containing her 65th birthday and the three months that follow the month of her 65th birthday. Janice decides to enroll as soon as she can to avoid any late fees.

How much is the Medicare penalty for a full year?

This runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. Medicare Part B penalties are also different from Part A penalties. In essence, you get charged a 10 percent penalty fee for each full year that you lacked Medicare Part B coverage when you could have enrolled.

When do you get Part A and Part B?

You will automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. (If your birthday is on the first day of the month, Part A and Part B will start the first day of the prior month.)

What happens if you don't get Part B?

NOTE: If you don’t get Part B when you are first eligible, you may have to pay a lifetime late enrollment penalty. However, you may not pay a penalty if you delay Part B because you have coverage based on your (or your spouse’s) current employment.

What is the individual health insurance marketplace?

NOTE: The Individual Health Insurance Marketplace is a place where people can go to compare and enroll in health insurance. In some states the Marketplace is run by the state and in other states it is run by the federal government. The Health Insurance Marketplace was set up through the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

Do you have to pay a penalty if you don't get Part A?

NOTE: If you don’t get Part A and Part B when you are first eligible, you may have to pay a lifetime late enrollment penalty. However, you may not pay a penalty if you delay Part A and Part B because you have coverage based on your (or your spouse’s) current employment.

Since nearly everyone qualifies for premium-free Part A, we usually recommend signing up as soon as you qualify - unless you contribute to an HSA

Although the answer to this will vary, the short answer is yes. For most people, Part A hospital insurance is premium-free, which means that you won’t pay any monthly premiums at all.

How Does Enrolling Work?

Enrolling in Medicare Part A is a fairly simple process. Enrolling when you turn 65 is distinct from enrolling later on, so we’ll go through them one by one.

Understanding the Late Enrollment Penalty

Before we go through the enrollment details, it’s important to understand late penalties. If you can enroll in Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) and don’t do so, you will have to pay late penalties on your premiums unless you have an employer health plan.

Enrolling When You Turn 65: The Initial Enrollment Period

Three months before your 65th birthday month, you will enter something known as the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This period lasts for 7 months: 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month itself, and 3 months after. During this period, you will have full Medicare eligibility.

Enrolling Later On: The Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

When it comes to Medicare, a Special Enrollment Period refers to any period during which you are allowed to enroll in some form of Medicare without any penalties. There are many different types of SEPs.

The Simple Case: When You Should Enroll

If you or your spouse have been paying the Medicare tax for ten years or more, you will not have to pay any premiums for Medicare Part A, at all. You will still have other fees, like the Part A deductible and coinsurance, but will pay $0 in monthly premiums. This is known as premium-free Part A, and it is available to most people who enroll.

HSA: The Exception

An HSA, or Health Savings Account, is a type of medical savings account that some people use to handle their medical costs. You cannot contribute to an HSA while enrolled in any form of Medicare, as a general rule.

Do I need to sign up for Medicare when I turn 65?

It depends on how you get your health insurance now and the number of employees that are in the company where you (or your spouse) work.

How does Medicare work with my job-based health insurance?

Most people qualify to get Part A without paying a monthly premium. If you qualify, you can sign up for Part A coverage starting 3 months before you turn 65 and any time after you turn 65 — Part A coverage starts up to 6 months back from when you sign up or apply to get benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board).

Do I need to get Medicare drug coverage (Part D)?

You can get Medicare drug coverage once you sign up for either Part A or Part B. You can join a Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage anytime while you have job-based health insurance, and up to 2 months after you lose that insurance.

When do you get enrolled in Medicare?

If you meet one of the following conditions, you may be enrolled in Medicare Part A three months prior to your 65th birthday or during the 25th month of your disability, depending on circumstance:

How long do you have to enroll in Medicare Part B?

You have seven months to enroll in Part B if you don’t qualify for automatic enrollment. However, there are a few differences when it comes to Medicare Part B. First, Part B requires a premium, whereas most people don’t have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A.

Why is it important to keep up with Medicare enrollment deadlines?

It’s important to keep up with the deadlines because you may be charged late fees if you don’t enroll on time. Don’t get caught in the rush during enrollment season. Get all of the facts now as to when exactly you should apply ...

What is Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C Enrollment Deadlines. Medicare Part C is usually referred to as a Medicare Advantage Plan. In these plans, you get the benefits of Medicare Parts A, B and D at once. Many people choose Medicare Advantage because there are more flexible options, in terms of benefits and premium costs.

What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare?

If you don’t enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), then you may be charged a penalty fee if you enroll later. Penalty fees are assessed for as many months as you lacked Medicare coverage; this sum can add up over time. Numbers and dates tend to run together for some people.

How many months does Janice have to sign up for Medicare?

In other words, Janice has a total of seven complete months to sign up for Medicare: the three months leading up to her 65th birthday, the month containing her 65th birthday and the three months that follow the month of her 65th birthday. Janice decides to enroll as soon as she can to avoid any late fees.

How much is the Medicare penalty for a full year?

This runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. Medicare Part B penalties are also different from Part A penalties. In essence, you get charged a 10 percent penalty fee for each full year that you lacked Medicare Part B coverage when you could have enrolled.

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