Your Initial Enrollment Period When Turning 65
Your initial enrollment period (IEP) is a 7-month window that allows you to sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) when you first turn 65.
It starts 3 calendar months before the month you turn 65 and continues for 3 months after. This means if you turn 65 on June 25, you can submit your enrollment paperwork as early as March 1. In fact, one of the best ways to ensure a smooth enrollment is to get start your enrollment as soon as possible.
Another important thing to note is that Medicare coverage always starts on the first day of the month. This means that as long as you apply for Original Medicare in the 3 months prior to your birth month, then your coverage will begin the first day of your birth month.
Were you born on the 1st day of the month? If so, then you qualify for a little-known exception where your Medicare coverage will actually begin 1 month prior to your birth month. For example, if you were born on June 1st then your Medicare coverage would begin on May 1st of the year you turn 65.
How do people get Medicare if your are UNDER 65 years
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Disability Benefits: If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you will automatically get Medicare Part A and Part B after 24 months.
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ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease): If you have ALS, you are eligible for Medicare immediately upon receiving disability benefits.
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ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease): If you have permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, you may qualify for Medicare.
Why Does Medicare Have Late Enrollment Penalties?
If you’re wondering “why does Medicare have penalties for late enrollment?”, you’re not alone. Many people are surprised to find out that Medicare has penalties that can last for as long as you have coverage. To understand why Medicare has penalties, you first need to understand how Medicare is funded.
Medicare Part A is largely funded by payroll taxes paid by employees and employers. This is why Medicare Part A has a $0 premium for people who paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, or 40 quarters. This is also why individuals who did not work the appropriate amount of time have to “buy in” to Medicare Part A and pay a monthly premium.
Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D are funded by a combination of funds authorized by Congress and premiums paid by people who are enrolled in Part B and/or Part D. Like other health insurance plans, monthly premiums paid by healthy individuals help offset the cost of coverage for individuals who have more healthcare needs. This helps ensure Medicare has enough funds to provide the appropriate care when it is needed.
Late enrollment penalties help incentivize healthy individuals to enroll in coverage when they first become eligible. Otherwise, people may wait until they’re sick or in need of their benefits to enroll. This would cause Medicare to deplete its funds faster than they are accrued.
Additionally, when you enroll in Original Medicare, you receive coverage for many preventative services. Early detection and preventative measures can help reduce the risk (and cost) of serious health conditions.
How To Apply For Medicare
You May Be Automatically Enrolled In Medicare
If you start receiving Social Security retirement benefits at least 4 months before your 65th birthday, then you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
You will receive your Medicare card in the mail about 3 months prior to your birth month.
If you are NOT receiving Social Security retirement benefits before you turn 65, then you will simply need to apply for Original Medicare by using one of the methods listed below.
Apply For Medicare Online
The most common way to apply for Medicare is through an online application on the Social Security website. The application process is very easy and only takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
Apply for Medicare By Phone
To apply by phone, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and let the representative know that you would like to apply for Medicare. Depending on your personal enrollment situation, they may need to mail you some forms to complete.
Apply for Medicare By Mail
The best option for those 65+ that already have Medicare Part A, and wish to apply for Part B is completing a paper application. If this is applicable to you, and you are currently leaving credible group coverage, then there are two forms you will need to complete and mail to your local Social Security office.
These forms can be downloaded at the following links:
Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B Form: CMS 40-B
Proof of Coverage Form: CMS-L564
Apply for Medicare In Person
Applying in person at your local Social Security office is the best option for those who are turning 65 and need to get their application processed quickly. You can find the nearest Social Security office to you by visiting the Social Securities website. When you are at the Social Security office, be sure to ask for a printed confirmation showing you have enrolled in Part A and Part B.
Click on link to verify your eligibility https://www.medicare.gov/eligibilitypremiumcalc
What is difference between Medicare eligibility and Social Security Benefits eligibility
The normal Medicare eligibility age for Medicare is age 65, whether you have retired or not.
Social Security benefits retirement age:
Get your statement: https://www.ssa.gov/prepare/get-benefits-estimate
Age 62:Earliest age to claim, but benefits are reduced (e.g. about 30% lower than at age 67).
Full Retirement Age (67): You receive 100% of your benefit.
Age 70: Maximum benefit amount due to delayed retirement credits.
Most people get their Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) premium deducted automatically from their Social Security benefit payment (or Railroad Retirement Board benefit payment)
If you are not taking Social Security Benefits by Age 65 than you pay Part B by
- Through your Medicare account
- Through your bank - Pay directly from your savings or checking account through your bank's online bill payment service
- Through the mail - Pay by check, money order, credit card, debit card, or Health Savings Account (HSA) card.
