when do you get a medicare application package

Full Answer

When should you apply for Medicare?

You are able to begin applying for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. This date marks the beginning of your Initial Enrollment Period. This period lasts for a total of seven months, and you must apply for Medicare coverage during this period to avoid having to pay late enrollment penalties.

How long do you have to sign up for Medicare?

You also have 8 months to sign up after you or your spouse (or your family member if you’re disabled) stop working or you lose group health plan coverage (whichever happens first). Temporary coverage available in certain situations if you lose job-based coverage. or other coverage that’s not Medicare.

How do I apply for Medicare?

You are able to apply for Medicare in a few different ways. If you prefer to apply in person, you can do so at your local Social Security office. Additionally, you can apply on the phone by calling the Social Security office or by using the online application on the Social Security website.

When do I get my Medicare Part A and Part B?

We’ll mail you a welcome package with your Medicare card 3 months before your Medicare coverage starts. 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.

Will Medicare automatically send me a Medicare card?

Once you're signed up for Medicare, we'll mail you your Medicare card in your welcome packet. You can also log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print your official Medicare card. I didn't get my Medicare card in the mail. View the Medicare card if you get benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board.

When should I start my application for Medicare?

When 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.

How soon before my birthday should I apply for Medicare?

Generally, we advise people to file for Medicare benefits 3 months before age 65. Remember, Medicare benefits can begin no earlier than age 65.

How long does it take for Medicare to go into effect after applying?

Once you sign up for Medicare, you will get a red, white and blue Medicare card in the mail. Your Medicare coverage will begin between one and three months after you sign up, depending on when you enroll.

Do you automatically get a Medicare card when you turn 65?

You should receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday. If you are NOT receiving benefits from Social Security or the RRB at least four months before you turn 65, you will need to sign up with Social Security to get Parts A and B.

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...

Do I have to notify Social Security when I turn 65?

If I want Medicare at age 65, when should I contact Social Security? If you want your Medicare coverage to begin when you turn age 65, you should contact Social Security during the 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you wait until your 65th birthday or later, your Part B coverage will be delayed.

Do Medicare benefits start the month of your birthday?

If you qualify for Premium-free Part A: Your Part A coverage starts the month you turn 65. (If your birthday is on the first of the month, coverage starts the month before you turn 65.)

What should I 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.

How can I check my Medicare application status?

How to Check Medicare Application StatusLogging into one's ​“My Social Security” account via the Social Security website.Visiting a local Social Security office. ... Contact Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) anytime Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.More items...•

Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare if you are on Social Security?

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.)

How do I know if my Medicare is active?

If you'd like to make sure you're enrolled in Original Medicare, you can call the program at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users call 1-877-486-2048. You can also check your Medicare enrollment online at Medicare.gov.

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).

How long does it take to get Medicare?

This date marks the beginning of your Initial Enrollment Period. This period lasts for a total of seven months , and you must apply for Medicare coverage during this period to avoid having to pay late enrollment penalties. The seven months encompass the three months prior to your birthday, your birth month, and the three months following your birth month.

How many months are you eligible for Medicare?

The seven months encompass the three months prior to your birthday, your birth month, and the three months following your birth month. You are able to apply for Medicare in a few different ways. If you prefer to apply in person, you can do so at your local Social Security office.

What happens after you enroll in Medicare?

After enrolling in Medicare, you will receive your Medicare identification card so that you can use it to receive healthcare coverage at a variety of different facilities across the United States. Since Medicare is a government-run entity, applications for insurance coverage are handled by the Social Security Administration.

Is Medicare dependent on Social Security?

Unlike Social Security benefits, Medicare eligibility is not dependent on retirement. However, if you are already receiving Social Security benefits at the age of 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare. It is important to note that even if you are automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B, you still must apply to Part D separately ...

Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?

Original Medicare encompasses both Part A and Part B. At the time you apply for Original Medicare, you also have the ability to sign up for Medicare Part D coverage, which covers prescription drugs.

What Is It?

• This welcome package is the first mail you'll get from Medicare. It includes a letter, booklet, and Medicare card. The booklet explains important decisions you need to make before your Medicare coverage starts. It's sent to all people who automatically get Medicare because they're getting S…

See more on medicare.gov

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