when to sign up for medicare first time

by Prof. Karine Graham Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

When should I start my Medicare application?

Generally, you're first eligible starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, you might have to wait to sign up and go months without coverage.

What is the first thing to do to sign up for Medicare?

Online (at Social Security) – It's 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 benefits.) Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

Do you have to sign up for Medicare or is it automatic when you 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 have to start on the first of the month?

Your Medicare coverage generally starts on the first day of your birthday month. If your birthday falls on the first day of the month, your Medicare coverage starts the first day of the previous month. If you qualify for Medicare because of a disability or illness, in most cases your IEP is also seven months.

Does Medicare coverage start the month you turn 65?

For most people, Medicare coverage starts the first day of the month you turn 65. Some people delay enrollment and remain on an employer plan. Others may take premium-free Part A and delay Part B. If someone is on Social Security Disability for 24 months, they qualify for Medicare.

What happens if you don't sign up for Medicare at 65?

Specifically, if you fail to sign up for Medicare on time, you'll risk a 10 percent surcharge on your Medicare Part B premiums for each year-long period you go without coverage upon being eligible. (Since Medicare Part A is usually free, a late enrollment penalty doesn't apply for most people.)

Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B?

Medicare will enroll you in Part B automatically. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you're not getting disability benefits and Medicare when you turn 65, you'll need to call or visit your local Social Security office, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

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.

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When should I sign up for Medicare Part B if I am still working?

You can wait until you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) to sign up for Part B, and you won't pay a late enrollment penalty.

What are the Medicare income limits for 2022?

2022

If your yearly income in 2020 (for what you pay in 2022) was		You pay each month (in 2022)
File individual tax return	File joint tax return	You pay each month (in 2022)
$91,000 or less	$182,000 or less	$170.10
above $91,000 up to $114,000	above $182,000 up to $228,000	$238.10
above $114,000 up to $142,000	above $228,000 up to $284,000	$340.20

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What is the maximum income to qualify for Medicare?

To qualify, your monthly income cannot be higher than $1,010 for an individual or $1,355 for a married couple. Your resource limits are $7,280 for one person and $10,930 for a married couple. A Qualifying Individual (QI) policy helps pay your Medicare Part B premium.

Can I change my Medicare Part B start date?

If changing your initial month of Part B coverage is possible in your case, you'll likely need to submit a new form CMS-40B (https://www.cms.gov/cms40b-application-enrollment-part-b) along with any required documentation. You should probably first contact Social Security to see what options are available to you.Mar 31, 2020

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).

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?

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.

When is the enrollment period for Medicare?

Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. Drop your stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan. Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 – December 7 each year.

How long does Medicare enrollment last?

You’re eligible for Medicare because you turn age 65. Initial Enrollment Period: the 7-month period that begins 3 months before your birthday month, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after your birthday month.

How to switch Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare enrollment: switching Medicare Advantage plans 1 Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. 2 Disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan. 3 Pick up a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. You can only do this during this period if you disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan.

Can you change your Medicare coverage?

When you enroll in Medicare, you have a choice of how you receive your Medicare benefits. You can also make changes in your Medicare coverage. It’s important to understand the Medicare enrollment periods, when they happen, and how you can use them.

What is Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C is Medicare Advantage. Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. You want to do any of these…. Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plan enrollment period. Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan. Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.

Medicare Blog