How to Enroll in Medicare Part B After Age 65
Most people enroll in Medicare by the time they are age 65. They are advised to do so and in most cases, this is the best thing to do. And, in most cases, this is the right thing to do.
There are cases, however, when it is not necessary to sign up for Medicare at age 65. First of all, people start getting tons of junk mail and other mail advising – and even warning – that a person has to sign up for Medicare part A and B either three months before or three months after their 65th birthday or they would have to pay a great deal more later.
First of all, a person is automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A when they are 65. If a person delays getting Part B, they could end up having to pay a 10% penalty when they finally do sign up.There are exceptions, however. The main exception is that if a person works past 65, and has medical insurance through their work. If the person is in this situation, the Social Security Administration (SSA) allows a special enrollment period for the individual to be able to sign up for Medicare Part B.
This special period allows an individual to wait to enroll in Medicare Part B and not be assessed the extra 10% penalty for registering later than normal. The way this special period works is that the person can sign up for Medicare part B
during the month after they are no longer at their job or during the eight months after their medical coverage from their former employer ended. Whichever of these happens first is the time when the person needs to apply for Medicare Part B and not have to pay the penalty.
It is important that a person make sure that if they are age 65 and they are covered by their employer’s insurance, they need to do some research to be sure that the insurance – which is through a private insurance company – will work with Medicare. There are a lot of private insurance companies that will work with Medicare to make sure that the individuals stay covered without gaps. It is essential to determine if there is a good blend because if not, you could be left vulnerable without appropriate and adequate coverage.
So, if you are getting close to age 65 and you are not working or covered by other employer coverage, it is important to check into enrollment in Medicare to determine if, when and how you should enroll in Medicare Part B.
For more information you can contact the Social Security Administration at www.socialsecurity.gov or www.medicare.gov.
15 Responses to How to Enroll in Medicare Part B After Age 65
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I filed claim for SS retirement benefits 9/25/09. I reached age 6i6 on 7/12/09.
My Medicare Part A card was sent with effective date of Dec 1 2008, nearly 10 months prior to my claim date and 7 months prior to my birth month.
I do not want this effective date. I have Health Savings Plan and employers’ high deductible health plan. This adversely affects me.
The HSA contributions are pre-tax, now I must file amended 2008 tax return, pay taxes on my 2009 contributions and fully MISSED the “Welcome to Medicare physical”.
I have been on Medicare and SSA websites, visited local offices.
These gave different reasons, but could not correct effective date.
What I read the effective date should be Dec 1, 2009–a year later (3-months after filing SS benefits claim.)
I’d prefer not to have Medicare A at all, but had planned for the effective date at the date of my claim not 10 month prior.
Does anyone know who can help me other than writing congressman?
Looking for a Medicare enrollment applicaiton
I received a letter regarding my appointment on 12/31/09 for medicare enrollment. I just can’t find the application form section on the web. Please help.
I’m currently enrolled in medicare Part A only. At the time I made this decision my wife’s company covered my medical. Since then she has retired and I need to apply for Part B. Is there an online form that I can fill out to provide to my wife’s former employer and then to send to you.
I need to contact my ss office. I will be 65 in June. I need to sign up for Part B ASAP. The phone number that was given to me is dissconnected. My zip is 33033.There is a new office in my zip code area, but I can not phone them . I want to make an appointment . Please help me. I might mention I have Tricare benefits. Thank you for your help.
Nancy Thorpe
sk82win@live.com
My dad is planning on turning inhis retirement.. Can he file for medicare part B at the same time he does this so that they both take effect about the same time.. he is 74 and has had medical insurance through his work.. Thank you for your help…
I would like to sign up for Medicare A & B. i am retired and will be turning 65 in May 2010. i can i get enrolled with Medicare?
I would like to enroll for the first time in Medicare Part B and would like to know if I have to come to the Social Security office in Naples to do it before March 31st or can I enroll through the Inernet
I filed claim for SS retirement benefits 9/25/09. I reached age 6i6 on 7/12/09.
My Medicare Part A card was sent with effective date of Dec 1 2008, nearly 10 months prior to my claim date and 7 months prior to my birth month.
I do not want this effective date. I have Health Savings Plan and employers’ high deductible health plan. This adversely affects me.
The HSA contributions are pre-tax, now I must file amended 2008 tax return, pay taxes on my 2009 contributions and fully MISSED the “Welcome to Medicare physical”.
I have been on Medicare and SSA websites, visited local offices.
These gave different reasons, but could not correct effective date.
What I read the effective date should be Dec 1, 2009–a year later (3-months after filing SS benefits claim.)
I’d prefer not to have Medicare A at all, but had planned for the effective date at the date of my claim not 10 month prior.
Does anyone know who can help me other than writing congressman?
When I retired on Job Disability in 1998, I was told by Social Security I only qualified for Part A because I was not yet 65 and I already had my own private doctor coverage which I kept from my job. So, I probably opted out of Part B because it did not pertain to me and it did not seem to say it was mandatory. After 10 years, they’re now serving me a penalty (double the amount of Medicare Part B) and I have been protesting it. Is there someone special I need to speak to about this? This is very unjust.
I am currently enrolled in medicare Part a only. At the time I got PArt A, I was still working and my company covered my medical. I will retire on April 30, 2011 but my coverge will end Dec. 31, 2010. I need to apply for Medicare Part B. When and how can I do that?
I would like to enroll for the first time in Medicare Part B and would like to know if I have to come to the Social Security office in Everett, Washington to do it before March 31st or can I enroll through the Inernet? I will be going off my wife’s work coverage July 1st coverage we have had since I went on Medicare Part A… I am 68 years of age.
I am 80 years old and I retired from the FAA Air Traffic Control when I was 50. My medical insurance company is BCBS Federal and has been for the last 45 years. I have never enrolled for Medicare Part A or B. Can I enroll for it now? Is there a waiting period after enrollment before anything is covered?
I am 80 years old and have had Part A Medicare since age 65. I have Mail Handlers Ins since retired from Civil Service. I would like to get part B also if possible at this late time. If so let me know cost and can I apply on line?
I am 80 years old and have had Part A Medicare since age 65. I have Mail Handlers Ins since retired from Civil Service. I would like to get part B also if possible at this late time. If so let me know cost and can I apply on line? This is my first correspondence