Contact Social Security to sign up for Part B:
- Fill out Form CMS-40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B). Send the completed form to your local Social...
- Call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
- Contact your local Social Security office.
- If you or your spouse worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.
What is Medicare Part B and who needs it?
Medicare Part B helps qualified Americans pay health care costs related to doctor visits, lab testing, preventative services, and more, but this coverage isn't free, and not everyone needs it. Those who don’t need Part B can disenroll—but it’s not a straightforward process.
How do I apply for help with Medicare Part A and Part B?
What state do you live in? To apply for help with your Medicare Part A and Part B costs, select your state from the drop-down, then choose "Other insurance programs" to find your state Medicaid office.
When can I sign up for Medicare Part B?
You can only sign up for Part B (or Part A if you have to pay a premium for it) at certain times. Learn about Part A & Part B sign up periods. Once you’re eligible to sign up for Medicare (usually 3 months before you turn 65), you have 2 options:
How do I talk to a real person at Medicare?
For specific billing questions and questions about your claim, medical records, or expenses, log into MyMedicare.gov, or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users call 1-877-486-2048.
How do I submit Medicare Part B?
Contact Social Security to sign up for Part B:Fill out Form CMS-40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B). ... Call 1-800-772-1213. ... Contact your local Social Security office.If you or your spouse worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.
Does Medicare automatically enroll you in 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.
When should I apply for Medicare Part B?
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 Medicare Part B take to process?
approximately 30 daysYour Medicare Part A and B claims are submitted directly to Medicare by your providers (doctors, hospitals, labs, suppliers, etc.). Medicare takes approximately 30 days to process each claim.
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.
Does Medicare Part B pay for prescriptions?
Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. covers a limited number of outpatient prescription drugs under certain conditions. A part of a hospital where you get outpatient services, like an emergency department, observation unit, surgery center, or pain clinic.
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...
How long does it take to get Medicare after applying?
between 30-60 daysMedicare applications generally take between 30-60 days to obtain approval.
How do I check my Medicare Part B 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...•
Does Medicare automatically send you a card?
You should automatically receive your Medicare card three months before your 65th birthday. You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare after 24 months and should receive your Medicare card in the 25th month.
What happens if I don't want Medicare Part B?
If you didn't get Part B when you're first eligible, your monthly premium may go up 10% for each 12-month period you could've had Part B, but didn't sign up. In most cases, you'll have to pay this penalty each time you pay your premiums, for as long as you have Part B.
Other Ways To Contact Medicare
Do I have to get Medicare Part B if I’m still working? Deferring Medicare Part B
Status Of Medicare Advantage And Part D
A Medicare Advantage, or Part C, plan is administered by a private health insurance company that contracts with Medicare.
Can Someone Call Medicare For You
You can have someone else call Medicare for you, but you will have to take some steps first. Medicare will not give out your private medical information to anyone who calls unless you first give Medicare permission to do so.
What Medical Supplies And Equipment Does Medicare Part B Cover
Medicare Part B helps pay for durable medical equipment such as oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, and other medically necessary equipment that your doctor prescribes to use in your home. Other items covered by Medicare include:
How To Find Important Information About Medicare
If youre looking to find important information about your Medicare coverage, the Medicare hotline might not always have the answers youre looking for.
Know The Different Enrollment Periods
You can manage your premium costs better if you know when you can enroll in Medicare and when you can change plans. Your Initial Enrollment Period is the best time to sign up for Parts B and D to avoid the late enrollment penalty.
How Do I Enroll For Medicare
Some people are automatically enrolled for Medicare Part A and Part B coverage, while others will need to enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period that takes place over a seven month period around the time of your 65th birthday.
How To Enroll In Medicare Online
To be clear, you dont have to sign up for Medicare online. You can do so over the phone or in person, but if youre looking to save time, completing an online application is probably the best way to go.
Medicare Special Enrollment Period
You may choose not to enroll in Medicare Part B when you are first eligible because you are already covered by group medical insurance through an employer or union.
What Is The Medicare Advantage Plan Initial Coverage Election Period
Most beneficiaries are first eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Initial Coverage Election Period.
When Do You Use This Application
If youre in your Initial Enrollment Period and live in Puerto Rico. You must sign up for Part B using this form.
How To Get A Medicare Part B Give Back Plan
To get a Part B premium reduction plan, you must be enrolled in Part A and Part B. You must also not be accepting government assistance that pays part of the Part B premium already. But, if you dont qualify for a give-back plan, there are plenty of plan options on the market.
The Process To Apply For Medicare Online
Here well go through the steps to apply for Medicare online. The whole process for enrolling online is going to take about 10 or 15 minutes and youll need to have access to the internet.
Medicare Savings Programs: How It Works
Those with limited income and resources may qualify for premium assistance through Medicare Savings Programs . Each state manages MSP funds and decides who qualifies. Programs can pay for all, or just some, of your Medicare out-of-pocket expenses, which includes premiums.
What to do if you drop Part B?
If you’re dropping Part B because you can’t afford the premiums, remember that you could save money on your health care costs in other ways. Consider adding a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan instead of dropping Part B. Call us to learn more about these alternatives to disenrolling in Part B.
What happens if you opt out of Part B?
But beware: if you opt out of Part B without having creditable coverage—that is, employer-sponsored health insurance from your current job that’s as good or better than Medicare—you could face late-enrollment penalties (LEPs) down the line.
How to schedule an interview with Social Security?
Call a Licensed Agent: 833-271-5571. You can schedule an in-person or over-the-phone interview by contacting the SSA. If you prefer an in-person interview, use the Social Security Office Locator to find your nearest location. During your interview, fill out Form CMS 1763 as directed by the representative.
Is it easy to cancel Medicare Part B?
Disenrolling in Medicare Part B isn’t an easy process because it requires an in-person or phone interview. But this is intentional. Canceling Part B could have negative consequences for your wallet (in the form of late-enrollment penalties) and your health (in the form of a gap in coverage).
Can Medicare tack late enrollment penalties?
If you have a gap in coverage, the Medicare program could tack late-enroll ment penalties onto your Part B premiums if you re-enroll in coverage again later. Avoid this pitfall by working with your human resources department to ensure that your company's insurance is indeed creditable (meaning that it’s as good or better than Medicare Part B). You may need to provide documentation of creditable coverage during your Part B cancellation interview.
Does Medicare Advantage offer rebates?
Consider a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a rebate on your Part B premium. Here's how that works: A Medicare Advantage plan provides the same or better coverage than Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). To receive this coverage, most enrollees pay a premium for their Medicare Advantage plan in addition to the cost ...
Does Medicare Advantage cost $0?
But in some areas, typically large cities, Medicare Advantage providers offer $0 plans to better compete with other insurance companies.
Medicare Eligibility, Applications, and Appeals
Find information about Medicare, how to apply, report fraud and complaints.
Voluntary Termination of Medicare Part B
You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance). It is a serious decision. You must submit Form CMS-1763 ( PDF, Download Adobe Reader) to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Visit or call the SSA ( 1-800-772-1213) to get this form.
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Part D of Medicare is an insurance coverage plan for prescription medication. Learn about the costs for Medicare drug coverage.
Replace Your Medicare Card
You can replace your Medicare card in one of the following ways if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed:
Medicare Coverage Outside the United States
Medicare coverage outside the United States is limited. Learn about coverage if you live or are traveling outside the United States.
Do you have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
