Part B Initial Enrollment Period During the Part B Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll 3 months prior to, the month of, or 3 months after your 65th birthday. Or, if you are disabled, after your 24th month of receiving disability benefits.
What should I know before enrolling in a Blue Cross Medicare plan?
Please review this information carefully to be sure you understand important enrollment and disenrollment deadlines. Also, before you sign up for a Blue Cross Medicare plan, please be aware that you must be eligible for Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B. If you're newly eligible for Medicare.
When can I enroll in Medicare Parts A and B?
January 1 through March 31 The General Enrollment Period offers an opportunity to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. If you enroll in Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, your coverage starts July 1. Sign up for Original Medicare if you weren’t automatically enrolled and missed your Initial Enrollment Period.
What is the initial enrollment period for Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period is based on the month in which you turn 65. It begins three months before your birth month and extends until three months after your birth month. Example: If you are born on June 18, 1952, your Initial Enrollment Period is from March 1, 2017 until September 30, 2017.
Can I Change my Medicare Part B plan after enrollment?
However, you will need to apply for enrollment in Part B. After you enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, you can choose a Medicare coverage option (such as a Medicare Advantage plan). You can change your coverage later, during the annual Open Enrollment Period.
Do you automatically get 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.
Does Medicare Part B have to start on the first of the month?
Part B (Medical Insurance) 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. (You may be eligible for Medicare earlier, if you get disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.)
How long does it take to be approved for Part B Medicare?
How long does it take to get Medicare Part B after applying? Approval can take up to 30-60 days if you apply outside your Initial Enrollment Period and do not automatically enroll in Medicare.
Can I choose the start date for Medicare Part B?
You can't always pick the date you want to start Part B coverage because the start date depends on what type of enrollment period you sign up in and when during the enrollment period you apply.
Does Medicare coverage start the first day of 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.
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.
How do I add Part B to my Medicare online?
You can apply online (at Social Security) - select “Already Enrolled in Medicare” from the menu. Or, fax or mail your forms to your local Social Security office.
Can Medicare Part B be backdated?
This process allows individuals to request immediate or retroactive enrollment into Part B and the elimination of late enrollment penalties from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Do you have to pay for Medicare Part B?
Part B premiums You pay a premium each month for Part B. Your Part B premium will be automatically deducted from your benefit payment if you get benefits from one of these: Social Security. Railroad Retirement Board.
Does Medicare start on your birthday or the month of your birthday?
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.
Can you have Medicare and employer insurance at the same time?
Yes, you can have both Medicare and employer-provided health insurance. In most cases, you will become eligible for Medicare coverage when you turn 65, even if you are still working and enrolled in your employer's health plan.
Why is my first Medicare bill so high?
If you're late signing up for Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) and/or Medicare Part D, you may owe late enrollment penalties. This amount is added to your Medicare Premium Bill and may be why your first Medicare bill was higher than you expected.
When do you have to enroll in Medicare?
If you’re receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A when you turn 65. If you’re delaying Social Security benefits past your 65th birthday, you’ll have to contact Social Security to enroll in Medicare Part A.
How long does Medicare Part B last?
The first time is the Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts for 7 months – the 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and the 3 months after your birthday.
When do you get Medicare Part B?
Most people get Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) when they turn 65. If you didn't sign up for Part B then, now's the time to decide if you want to enroll. During Medicare's General Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31), you can enroll in Part B and your coverage will start July 1.
How to apply for Part B?
Signing up for Part B is easy—apply by March 31. Fill out a short form, and send it to your local Social Security office. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778. Contact your local Social Security office. If you get benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, contact your local RRB office to sign up for Part B. ...
Is it important to enroll in Part B?
Deciding to enroll in Part B is an important decision. It depends on the type of coverage you have now. It’s also important to think about the Part B late enrollment penalty—this lifetime penalty gets added to your monthly Part B premium, and it goes up the longer you wait to sign up.
What is the initial enrollment period for Medicare?
Initial Enrollment Period. Your Initial Enrollment Period is when you first become eligible for Medica re. This is a seven-month window when you can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B). You can also enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan if you are already enrolled in Original Medicare.
When is Medicare open enrollment?
October 15 through December 7 The Medicare Open Enrollment Period provides an annual opportunity to review and, if necessary, make enrollment changes to your Medicare coverage. During Open Enrollment, some examples of changes that you can make include:
When does Medicare start?
If you enroll in Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, your coverage starts July 1.
What age do you have to be to get Medicare?
You are generally entitled to Medicare if you meet any of the following criteria: You are age 65 or above. You are disabled and have received disability benefits from Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits.
Can you change your Medicare enrollment after the enrollment period ends?
Once your Initial Enrollment Period has ended, you can only make enrollment changes during either the Medicare Open Enrollment Period or General Enrollment Period, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
How long can you keep working and enroll in Part B?
If you keep working after you turn 65 and get insurance through your employer, you can hold off enrolling in Part B until you retire. An eight month Special Enrollment Period will start on the date that your employment or group coverage ends, whichever comes first.
What is Part B insurance?
Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for: Doctor office visits and services, lab tests and most outpatient care. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. You can enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period. This is a 7-month period — the three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, ...
What to call if you are not working on Medicare?
Are not working. Have COBRA or retiree health coverage. Have a group health plan that pays second after Medicare pays. If your work status changes, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Ask how your change in work status may affect your Medicare coverage. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.
How long do you have to enroll in Medicare Advantage?
You can apply for a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan during any of the seven months that make up your Initial Enrollment Period. This includes the three months before your birth month, the month of your birthday, and the three months after your birth month.
How long do you have to enroll in a health insurance plan?
Enroll at any time during the year. After you enroll, you have, by law, at least 30 days to review your plan. If you decide you don't want the plan, you can get a full refund of any premiums you've paid during this "free look" period.
How long does it take to get a Part D?
You can apply for a Part D plan during the seven-month period that begins three months before your 25th month of disability and ends three months after your 25th month of disability. You can also enroll during the seven-month period that includes the three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, and the three months after your 65th birthday.
What is the initial enrollment period for Medicare?
The Initial Enrollment Period is the 7-month enrollment window around your 65 th birthday. During this time, you can sign up for Original Medicare, which includes Medicare Part A (hospital costs) and Medicare Part B (medical care). Your Initial Enrollment Period is a great time to consider additional coverage. Opens New Window.
What is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is the time each year when you can choose to change your Medicare Advantage plan, if you have one . Or, you can switch to Original Medicare and add a Part D prescription drug plan.
How long do you have to enroll in a special enrollment period?
When it happens: A Special Enrollment Period can happen at any time of the year. Depending on your type of Special Enrollment Period, you may have 60 days before or after the event to review your options and select new coverage.
How to sign up for Part B if you don't collect Social Security?
External Site. or give their national customer hotline a call at 800-772-1213 to get signed up. If you have coverage through an employer, you may choose to wait to sign up for Part B.
What is the annual enrollment period?
The Annual Enrollment Period is the dedicated time each year for you to review your Medicare plan options to make sure you have the plan that's right for you. During this time, you can:
What happens if you don't sign up for Medicare?
If you didn't sign up for Original Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period but want to, the Medicare's General Enrollment Period is the time to do it. Keep in mind. If you enroll in Original Medicare during the General Enrollment Period because you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you may still be subject to late enrollment penalties.
How to find a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan near you?
If you live outside Iowa or South Dakota, go to Bcbs .com. External Site. or call 888-630-2583 to find a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan near you.
When does Medicare start enrolling?
If you enroll in Medicare for the first time at the age of 65, you have an initial enrollment period (IEP) which begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday. This period also includes the entire month of your birthday and extends for three months following your birth month.
When do you get Medicare Part A?
For people who are receiving Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) automatically enrolls you in Original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), and Part B (medical insurance) three months before your 65th birthday. People who are receiving Social Security (SS) benefits due to a disability and are younger ...
How long do you have to be on Medicare to get SS?
People who are receiving Social Security (SS) benefits due to a disability and are younger than 65 are eligible for Medicare benefits after receiving SS for 24 months consecutively. At that time, the SSA automatically enrolls you in Original Medicare Parts A and B.
How long does an IEP last?
That means your IEP covers a total of seven months. During your IEP, after the SSA has automatically enrolled you in Original Medicare Parts A and B, you can choose to keep Part B or you can opt out if you have primary health care coverage from another provider, such as through your employer.
How long is the Part B enrollment period?
The Special Enrollment Period lasts for 8 months ...
How long do you have to enroll in Medicare Advantage?
During the Initial Enrollment Period you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan 3 months prior to, the month of, or 3 months after your 65th birthday, or after your 24th month of receiving disability benefits.
How long do you have to enroll in Part B?
During the Part B Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll 3 months prior to, the month of, or 3 months after your 65th birthday. Or, if you are disabled, after your 24th month ...
What happens if you don't sign up for Part B?
If you do not sign up, a 10 percent penalty is typically added to the Part B premium for each 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't sign up for it when first eligible, unless you qualify for the Part B Special Enrollment Period. The penalty continues for as long as you have Part B. Part B Special Enrollment Period.
What is a special enrollment period?
A Special Enrollment Period allows you to enroll in a prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan after an Initial or Annual Enrollment Period has ended. Some reasons you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period are: You are eligible for additional financial help from Social Security.
What is the penalty for late enrollment in Medicare?
For each year you are late in enrolling, you are charged a 10 percent Part B penalty. This charge increases annually as Medicare premiums increase and will continue for your lifetime or as long as you are on Part B.
How long does it take to get Medicare if you are disabled?
If you are disabled, there is a 24-month waiting period for Medicare after you become disabled. After that, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and must decline Part B if it is not wanted. In the meantime, you may qualify for Medicaid/Medical Assistance, use COBRA coverage, or obtain services from state-specific programs.