Everything you need to know about applying for Medicare.
Are you looking to apply for Medicare but not sure how? Don’t worry, applying is relatively simple if you follow the steps in this blog. We’ll walk you through everything you need to do, from how and where to start your application all the way through submitting it. Whether it’s your first time filing or a renewal, we’ve got helpful tips so that your Medicare application process will be painless and easy.
How to apply for Medicare?
Applying for Medicare can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. In this section you will see how to apply for Medicare:
1. Apply online.
Applying online is the fastest and most convenient way to apply for Medicare benefits. All you need to do is visit the Social Security Administration’s official website and fill out an application form with your personal information and any relevant medical history.
2. Call in
You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should dial 1-800-325-0778) between 7am – 7pm Monday through Friday and they will help guide you through the process of applying over the phone.
3. Visit a local office
Finally, if you prefer speaking with someone face-to-face, you can find your nearest Social Security office using this tool on their website and make an appointment for assistance in filing your application there too.
If you need to sign up for Medicare, then the above-mentioned methods are a great place to start.
When to sign up for Medicare?
Medicare is a health insurance program that is run by the U.S. government and provides coverage to those 65 and over, as well as certain younger people with disabilities or end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure). Many people don’t know when to sign up for Medicare. In this section we will discuss it in detail.
If you are qualified to receive Medicare benefits, there are certain points when it’s important to apply for coverage. Generally speaking, if you’re turning 65 or if you become disabled, these are two key times when you should consider applying for Medicare.
For those who are eligible due to age alone and have not yet applied for Social Security retirement benefits, your initial enrolment period will begin three months before your 65th birthday month—and extend seven months after your birth month. So, for example: If your birthday is July 15th then you can begin enrolling in April—with the deadline being at the end of October of that same year.
Documents you need to apply for Medicare.
In order to apply for Medicare, there are four important documents you need to have on hand.
1. Proof of age
The first document you need is proof of your age or disability status. This can be in the form of a birth certificate, Social Security card, Medicaid card, or any other government issued ID that verifies you meet the eligibility requirements set by Medicare.
2. Proof of citizenship
You’ll need proof of citizenship or legal residency in the United States. This could be an up-to-date passport, green card, or visa application form – all which prove your residency status and confirm your identity so Medicare can process your application quickly and accurately.
3. Previous health coverage documents
Thirdly, it’s important to have documentation related to any previous employers who provided coverage through an employer sponsored plan such as Group Health Insurance (GHI). Having these documents provides evidence that will help decide if you are eligible for premium relief under Medicare Part A and B plans.
4. W-2 Form
Don’t forget to bring along a copy of your W-2 form from the previous tax year. This document is necessary for your Medicare application and will provide information about your taxable income, Social Security benefits and other important financial details that need to be verified for accurate benefit calculations.
By having these four documents in place before submitting your claim, you can help ensure a smooth transition into Medicare coverage and make sure all the relevant information is available from the outset – enabling a speedy approval process.
What are the 4 different parts for Medicare coverage?
Medicare is an important health insurance program that provides coverage for a variety of medical expenses and services.
Medicare consists of four main parts: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.
Part A
Part A covers hospital care such as inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, home health care services and some limited outpatient procedures.
Part B
Part B covers physician visits as well as preventive services like vaccines or screenings. It also pays for medically necessary equipment like wheelchairs or walkers and many more things related to medical treatments/care not covered by Part A.
Part C
Part C is known as the “Advantage Plan” which allows you to get all your Medicare benefits from private insurers instead of directly from the government’s original fee-for-service program (Parts A & B). The Advantage Plans have some additional benefits like vision or dental coverage that aren’t offered with Parts A &B alone.
Part D
Part D covers prescription drugs. It is available through private insurers who offer Medicare drug plans that prescribe generic medications at a lower cost than the more expensive brand name versions of the same medicine.
These four parts of Medicare coverage provide important benefits to seniors and those with certain disabilities while helping them manage their annual healthcare expenses.
When can I enrol in Medicare application if I do not qualify for retirement benefits?
To enrol in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), contact your local Social Security office three months before your 65th birthday to sign up.
If you qualify due to a disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), the enrolment process is different than it is for those over the age of 65.
You must complete an application form at socialsecurity.gov; submit documentation proving your eligibility; and have medical evidence proving that your disability is long term and ongoing submitted by a physician or hospital administrator on behalf of yourself or sponsor (if applicable).
In addition to Original Medicare, individuals who do not qualify for retirement benefits may also sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan offered through private insurers like Humana and UnitedHealthcare during their Initial Enrolment Period (IEP).
These plans often provide additional coverage beyond Original Medicare such as vision care, hearing aids, prescription drug coverage, dental services and more at an extra cost each month.
The IEP typically runs from three months before reaching age 65 until three months after turning 65 depending on when exactly someone turns 65 years old – so be sure to check with your insurance provider as soon as possible!