
Enrolling in Medicare is simple and often automatic. Follow these four steps to learn what you should do: Step 2: Decide if you want Medicare Part B benefits. Step 3: Decide if you want extra coverage with Medicare. Step 4: Decide if you want Medicare Part D, Prescription Drug Coverage.
Full Answer
Why do I have to enroll in the Medicare program?
Physicians, non-physician practitioners, and other health care suppliers must enroll in the Medicare program . to be eligible to receive Medicare payment for covered services provided to Medicare beneficiaries. The Medicare enrollment application is used to collect information about you and to secure the necessary
How long does it take to enroll in Medicare?
Medicare typically completes enrollment applications in 60 – 90 days. This varies widely by intermediary (by state). We see some applications turnaround in 15 days and others take as long as 3 months. Medicare will set the effective date as the date they receive the application.
How do physician practitioners apply for Medicare?
Physicians and non-physician practitioners can apply for enrollment in the Medicare program or make a change in their enrollment information using either: n#TAB#The Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS), or The paper enrollment application process (e.g., CMS-855).
How do I enroll in Medicare if I'm not getting social security?
If you're not getting Social Security payments already, you have to enroll in Medicare. The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles the enrollment process for Medicare. Call SSA at (800) 772-1213, visit the web site (www.ssa.gov), or apply at your local Social Security office.

Which of the following are steps to becoming a Medicare provider?
Applying to become a Medicare providerStep 1: Obtain an NPI. Psychologists seeking to become Medicare providers must obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) before attempting to enroll in Medicare. ... Step 2: Complete the Medicare Enrollment Application. ... Step 3: Select a Specialty Designation.
How do I add a practice location to Medicare?
0:3811:30To begin the application process. We want to locate the my enrollments page. We can do this byMoreTo begin the application process. We want to locate the my enrollments page. We can do this by clicking on the my enrollments. Button.
What does it mean to be credentialed with Medicare?
Credentialing is the process of approving a physician, agency or other medical provider as part of the Medicare supply chain.
What is Pecos Medicare requirement?
It is a database where physicians register with the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS). CMS developed PECOS as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The regulation requires all physicians who order or refer home healthcare services or supplies to be enrolled in Medicare.
How long does it take to get a Medicare provider number?
Most Medicare provider number applications are taking up to 12 calendar days to process from the date we get your application. Some applications may take longer if they need to be assessed by the Department of Health.
How do I register as a Pecos provider?
0:146:13Number if you do not already have an active NPI number you can register for one through the nationalMoreNumber if you do not already have an active NPI number you can register for one through the national plan and provider enumeration system or n Pez.
What is the process of credentialing?
Credentialing is a formal process that utilizes an established series of guidelines to ensure that patients receive the highest level of care from healthcare professionals who have undergone the most stringent scrutiny regarding their ability to practice medicine.
Who performs the credentialing?
Many health care institutions and provider networks conduct their own credentialing, generally through a credentialing specialist or electronic service, with review by a credentialing committee. It may include granting and reviewing specific clinical privileges, and allied health staff membership.
What is credentialing application?
Insurance credentialing (or Provider Enrollment) refers to the process of applying to health insurance networks for inclusion in their provider panels.
What is Pecos and Nppes?
Accordingly, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) uses enrollment systems, including the Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) and the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), to manage provider information and identifiers.
What does Nppes stand for?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) to assign these unique identifiers.
Is Pecos ID same as Medicare number?
The following walk-thru explains how a user can find their Medicare ID number in PECOS. Medicare numbers are also known as the CCN, P-Tan, Oscar, Provider number, or Medicare ID.
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.
How long before Medicare card is sent out?
We’ll mail you a welcome package with your Medicare card 3 months before your Medicare coverage starts.
How long after you sign up for Part A do you have to sign up for Part B?
You get Part A automatically. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it. If you don’t sign up for Part B within 3 months after your Part A starts, you might have to wait to sign up and pay a monthly late enrollment penalty.
How long do you have to sign up for Part A?
You get Part A automatically. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it. If you don’t sign up for Part B within 3 months of turning 65, you might have to wait to sign up and pay a monthly late enrollment penalty.
When do you get Medicare if you have Social Security?
If you already get benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you are automatically entitled to Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) starting the first day of the month you turn age 65. You will not need to do anything to enroll.
What is the Medicare eligibility tool?
The Medicare.gov Web site also has a tool to help you determine if you are eligibile for Medicare and when you can enroll. It is called the Medicare Eligibility Tool.
What is Medicare application?
application is used to initiate a reassignment of a right to bill the Medicare program and receive Medicare payments (Note: only individual physicians and non-physician practitioners can reassign the right to bill the Medicare program).
What is NPI in Medicare?
The National Provider Identifier (NPI) will replace health care provider identifiers in use today in standard health care transactions. Suppliers must obtain their NPI prior to enrolling in the Medicare program. Enrolling in Medicare authorizes you to bill and be paid for services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries.
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.
How long does Medicare enrollment take?
Call SSA at (800) 772-1213, visit the web site (www.ssa.gov), or apply at your local Social Security office. You have a 7-month enrollment period , beginning 3 months before your 65 th birthday, your birthday month, and 3 months after your birthday.
How long do you have to wait to sign up for Medicare?
However, if you wait to sign up the month of your birthday or the 3 months that follow, you will have to wait 1 to 3 months for coverage to begin. Other enrollment periods.
How long do you have to buy a Medigap plan?
If you need a Medigap plan, you should buy it within 6 months of getting Medicare Part B. During that period, you're guaranteed to get any Medigap plan that’s available in your state. But if you try to buy it after those 6 months, the insurance company can charge you a higher price or turn you down altogether.
What happens if you don't sign up for Medicare?
If you don't sign up during your initial enrollment period for some programs -- like Medicare Parts A and B and Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) -- you might pay a higher monthly fee when you sign up later. There are some exceptions.
How long after kidney failure can you get Medicare?
Kidney failure. To qualify, you must have end-stage renal disease and need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Usually, you can't get Medicare until three months after you start dialysis. Once you've been diagnosed with kidney failure, call the Social Security administration at (800) 772-1213 to enroll in Medicare.
What is the number to call to sign up for Medicare?
If you are not getting Medicare coverage and feel that you should, call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213. Medicare Enrollment Periods.
When do you get Medicare if you already have Social Security?
You'll get your Medicare card three months before your 65th birthday. The benefits kick in on the first day of the month of your 65th birthday.
