what to bring to medicare office

What do you need to bring when applying for Medicare?

• Birth certificate. ...
• Proof of U.S. ...
• Your Social Security card (if already receiving SSA benefits) If you are already receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you may be required to supply your ...
• Health insurance information. ...
• Tax information. ...
• Military documents. ...
• Part B enrollment application. ...

Full Answer

What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?

Medicare is only available to U.S. citizens and Resident Aliens, so you may need proof your your citizenship to apply. For citizens, a birth certificate and Social Security card usually suffices.

What information do I need to provide about my health insurance?

If you are currently covered through an employer or state-sponsored health plan such as Medicaid, you'll need to provide information about the insurance. This includes the name of the insurance company, the group and policy numbers, and the name of the employer or state that provides the coverage.

Do I need to submit additional information when applying for Medicare?

If you sign up for Medicare online or by phone, you may need to submit additional information. Social Security will let you know if you need to do this and what that information might be. Need help determining what to do about Medicare?

How can Social Security help you get Medicare documents?

Social Security can help you get copies of any documents you no longer have. When you apply for Medicare, you might need to provide some documents that show you’re eligible for the program.

What are the parts of Medicare?

How long do you have to sign up for Medicare if you have delayed enrollment?

How to get a copy of my naturalization certificate?

How long does it take to sign up for Medicare?

What to do if you don't have birth certificate?

How to replace a permanent resident card?

When is the open enrollment period for Medicare?

See more

About this website

Should you carry your Medicare card on your person?

The most important thing you can do is guard your Medicare card like it's a credit card. Don't give your Medicare card or Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it. You can also: Keep your Medicare Number to yourself.

How Much Does Medicare pay for a routine office visit?

Medicare Part B covers 80 percent of the cost of doctor's visits for preventive care and medically necessary services. Not all types of doctors are covered. In order to ensure coverage, your doctor must be a Medicare-approved provider.

Does Medicare coverage 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.

When should I start shopping for Medicare?

It starts 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after you turn 65. If you're not already collecting Social Security benefits before your Initial Enrollment Period starts, you'll need to sign up for Medicare online or contact Social Security.

Does Medicare pay 100 percent of hospital bills?

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), more than 60 million people are covered by Medicare. Although Medicare covers most medically necessary inpatient and outpatient health expenses, Medicare reimbursement sometimes does not pay 100% of your medical costs.

Does Medicare cover eye exams?

Eye exams (routine) Medicare doesn't cover eye exams (sometimes called “eye refractions”) for eyeglasses or contact lenses. You pay 100% for eye exams for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

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.

How close to my 65th birthday should I apply for Medicare?

A: The best time to enroll is during the open enrollment window around your 65th birthday – preferably in the three months before the month you turn 65, so that you'll have Medicare coverage by the time you turn 65.

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 first day of your birthday month?

Does Medicare Start on Your Birthday? Original Medicare coverage does not start on your actual birthday. At the earliest, coverage begins on the first day of the month you turn 65. So, if your birthday is July 24, your coverage will begin July 1.

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.

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.

What is the best way to apply for Medicare?

The best way to apply for Medicare is online at socialsecurity.gov or by speaking with a representative at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, b...

How long does it take for a Medicare application to be approved?

Depending on the application method that you choose, approval by phone, mail, or online can take 30 to 60 days. However, applications can be proces...

What do I need to do to enroll in Medicare?

You will need basic information and documentation such as your Social Security card, citizenship status, birth certificate, earnings statements, fe...

Is it mandatory to go on Medicare when you turn 65?

No, it’s not mandatory to go on Medicare when you turn 65. However, declining the federal benefit can end up being complicated in certain scenarios...

How much does Medicare cost at 65 years old?

Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A. The premium for Part B is currently $148.50, but it can be more if you have a high income. The...

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Medicare? - The Senior List

What to Bring When Applying for Medicare. If you’re collecting Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare.

CMS L564 | CMS

If you have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and you’re eligible to enroll in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), you have options for how to apply.

FS4 Medicare for people over 65 nearing retirment

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Page 3. FACT SHEET: Medicare Decisions for Those Over 65 and Planning to Retire in the Next 6 Months

How do I enroll in Medicare? | HHS.gov

Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to enroll in Medicare or to ask questions about whether you are eligible. You can also visit their web site at www.socialsecurity.gov. The Medicare.gov Web site also has a tool to help you determine if you are eligibile for Medicare and when you can enroll.

Working past 65 | Medicare

If you: Do this: Don’t have any drug coverage. Join a Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage within 3 months of when your Medicare coverage starts to avoid a monthly Part D late enrollment penalty .; Have drug coverage that’s creditable. You can wait to get Medicare drug coverage (Part D).

Medicare Eligibility

Your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare lasts for seven months, starting three months before you reach the age of 65 and ending three months after. Eligibility for Medicare benefits is available for people age 65 and older.

What to Bring When Applying for Medicare

If you’re collecting Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare. You won’t need to dig up any documents to apply. The same goes for being eligible due to collecting SSDI after 24 months.

Documents for Medicare Advantage and Medigap

Whether you sign up for Medicare Advantage or Medigap, you’ll need both your Medicare number and the date your Original Medicare coverage started. This information will be on your Medicare card. You can also access this information through your dashboard on the Social Security website if you created an account to enroll.

What If I Lost My Documents?

If you lost your documents or can’t locate them, you still have time to obtain new copies before applying for Medicare. This involves contacting your state or local offices for copies of records and other documents that you might not have readily available. Here’s how you can obtain new copies.

Enrolling in Medicare

Once you’ve got all of your documents in order, you’re ready to apply! To get started, check out my guide: How to Apply for Medicare.

How to apply for medicare over the phone?

By phone. Call 1-800-772-1213 between 7am and 7pm Monday through Friday to apply over the phone. If you are hard of hearing, you may dial 1-800-325-0778. In person. Visit your local Social Security office to apply for Medicare in person. If you're eligible for or enrolled in Medicare and you want to compare your Medicare plan options, ...

When do you start enrolling in Medicare?

However, you may begin the enrollment process three months before turning 65, which is when your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) typically begins. Learn more about the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period.

How long does it take to sign up for Medicare?

You may apply for Medicare online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. The application process typically takes no more than 10 minutes to complete. By phone.

Do you have to provide military records for Medicare?

There are some specific rules concerning Medicare and veteran’s health insurance benefits, and you may have to provide records of your military service if you are receiving any such military or veteran’s benefits.

What is included in a welcome visit?

The visit includes: A review of your medical and family history. A checkup to measure your height, weight, blood pressure and vision. A discussion of your emotional health and risk for depression. Personalized recommendations for any care you need – like screening tests or shots. Even though your welcome visit is covered by Medicare, ...

How long does it take to transfer medical records from one office to another?

You generally don’t have to pay for this, but it can take a few weeks, so make sure you request the transfer a couple of weeks before your appointment. A list of your medicines.

Does Medicare cover welcome visits?

Even though your welcome visit is covered by Medicare, if your doctor recommends any extra care, tests or procedures during your visit, you might have to pay for them. You can always call your insurance company to check on the costs of these extras before you get them.

What to do if you have issues confirming your identity?

If there are issues confirming your identity, it may take time or a visit to your local Social Security office. Then, when it's time to enroll, once the account is established, you may need additional information to answer the questions. Information about your employment, such as a W-2 form, if you are still working.

Is Medicare a national insurance?

Medicare is a national health insurance program that covers millions of people and involves an even greater number of healthcare providers and services. Its size alone invites confusion and misinformation. Find out if you can identify Medicare fact from fiction.

How to send documents to Social Security?

The Social Security Administration requires that you send the originals of any documentation it requests. The preferred method is via postal service. Include your Social Security number on a separate sheet of paper inside of the envelope.

What documents are needed to get a birth certificate?

Each must be an authoritative, official document, such as a school, medical or census record, or an insurance policy.

Does Medicare require documentation?

Medicare doesn't require much documentation to apply. Image Credit: vaeenma/iStock/Getty Images. The Social Security Administration usually doesn't require you to send in any additional paperwork when enrolling in Medicare. However, the SSA may ask for documentation if representatives have trouble verifying the information you provide.

The cards in your hand

The two most important things to bring to your first doctor appointment, or any appointment, are:

Questions and answers

Your doctor is sure to have some questions for you. You should ask questions too. Here’s how you can both get answers. To your first appointment, bring:

How do I apply for medicare?

Where do I go to apply for Medicare? 1 Your local Social Security office#N#Use the instructions above to locate your nearest Social Security office. 2 Online computer#N#Go to www.SocialSecurity.gov and follow the instructions to enroll in Medicare. 3 Over the phone#N#Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to enroll in Medicare over the phone.

What is Medicare office?

A Medicare office is the place to manage your benefits. Locate a Medicare office near you and learn how to utilize Medicare services online or over the phone. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees and manages Medicare, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) works with CMS to help enroll Medicare beneficiaries.

What is the number to call Medicare?

The official phone number for Medicare is 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048. You may call Medicare 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and help is available in both English and Spanish. Check the status on a claim that has been filed on your behalf.

Where is the CMS office?

You can get help with your Medicare questions by contacting or visiting this office. The CMS headquarters is in Woodlawn, Maryland, and regional CMS offices are located in Washington, D.C., Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, Denver, San Francisco and Seattle.

Can you replace a lost Medicare card?

Replacing a lost or stolen Medicare card. Medicare fraud can happen as a result of a lost or stolen card, so be sure to call if you lose your Medicare card. You may also speak to someone in person regarding your Medicare eligibility or enrollment by visiting your local Social Security office.

What are the parts of Medicare?

Together, parts A and B are known as original Medicare. You’ll need to enroll in original Medicare before you can enroll in any other Medicare parts. Other parts of Medicare include: Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage. Medicare Part D, which is prescription drug coverage.

How long do you have to sign up for Medicare if you have delayed enrollment?

If you delayed Medicare enrollment for an approved reason, you can later enroll during a special enrollment period. You have 8 months from the end of your coverage or the end of your employment to sign up without penalty. Medicare Advantage open enrollment (January 1–March 31).

How to get a copy of my naturalization certificate?

You can fill out Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship, either online or by mail, to have a copy of these documents sent to you.

How long does it take to sign up for Medicare?

Initial enrollment period. This is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday when you can sign up for Medicare. It begins 3 months before your birth month, includes the month of your birthday, and extends 3 months after your birth month. During this time, you can enroll in all parts of Medicare without a penalty.

What to do if you don't have birth certificate?

if you don’t have a record of your birth, other documents to prove your age, such as your immunization records, school records, state census records, insurance records, or medical records.

How to replace a permanent resident card?

Citizenship and Immigration Services. You can fill out Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card , either online or by mail.

When is the open enrollment period for Medicare?

Open enrollment period (October 15–December 7). During this time, you can switch from original Medicare (parts A and B) to Part C (Medicare Advantage), or from Part C back to original Medicare. You can also switch Part C plans or add, remove, or change a Part D plan. General enrollment period (January 1–March 31).