There are a number of different occasions and events that will occur that may determine if and when you will decide to get Part B of Medicare. It can indeed get more than a bit confusing at times. There is also the possibility that you will not get Part B of Medicare until some time after you turn age 65. This may not cause any issues, depending on your specific circumstances. This article will help provide you with detailed information that will help you navigate the different steps and decisions in regards to getting your Medicare Part B coverage started . . .
What Should I Do If I am Late to Enroll in Medicare?
Enrolling in Medicare late won’t compromise your eligibility for Medicare. It’s not a one-chance-or-lose all scenario. However, if you are late to enroll in Medicare, you could face late-enrollment penalties. You could avoid these late-enrollment penalties if you qualify for a special enrollment period.
What does it mean to be late to Medicare?
To be “late to Medicare” means you missed your initial enrollment period to enroll in Medicare. There are two ways to qualify for Medicare: when you turn age (65) and through a disability, such as end-stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease. If you qualify by age, you have a 7-month initial enrollment period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after the month you turn 65.
If you qualify for Medicare through disability, you will generally have a 24 month waiting period. You can enroll in Medicare two years of becoming eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) disability benefits. Your initial enrollment period is 3 months before your 25th month of getting disability benefits, includes the 25th month of getting disability benefits, and ends 3 months after your 25th month of getting disability benefits.
Why might I be late to Medicare?
You may be enrolling in Medicare after your initial enrollment period because:
- You are busy and don’t have time to enroll in Medicare
- You can’t make up your mind between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- You were working and had employer-sponsored health coverage
- Your spouse was working and had employer-sponsored health coverage that extended to you
If you missed your initial enrollment period because you were busy or couldn’t make up your mind, you probably will have to pay a late-enrollment penalty. However, if you delayed enrolling in Medicare because you were covered by an employer, you could qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). If you are covered by an employer, you can apply to Medicare before your employment ends. If you have both Medicare and employer coverage for a time period, then the employer coverage will usually be secondary coverage. You may have to provide proof to Medicare that you have coverage from an employer.
If you receive coverage through a spouse, you want to apply for Medicare before your spouse’s employment ends. Retiree health coverage is not considered credible coverage and you may have to pay a late-enrollment penalty.
What is a late enrollment penalty?
Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and Medicare Part D may all charge late-enrollment penalties if you enroll after the period you’re first eligible.
Medicare.com
Do you have more questions about Enrolling in Medicare?
If you have any questions on this subject or would like to speak to us about any of your Medicare needs in regards to Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans, I would certainly be very happy to speak with you.
I am an independent agent specializing in the senior market. My services to you will always be free. I would be very happy to look at your current coverage and compare it to the marketplace to make sure that you are still getting a good value.
Billy Williams
800-499-1942
MedicareHealthInsuranceOptions.com
