Types of Medicare to Apply For
Filling out a Medicare application can be a challenge, and Aevo Insurance Services can help you through every step of the way. First, it’s important to learn the differences between Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B well before you begin the application process.
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Medicare Part A or B?
Medicare Part A is for inpatient insurance only, for example being admitted to a hospital. If admitted inpatient to a facility, Medicare will cover most of your hospitalization costs, like room and board, general nursing, and supplies—but you’ll be responsible for the Part A Deductible of $1,316.00 (2017), which will cover you for the first 60 days. Medicare Part B is the more comprehensive type of insurance. This medical insurance covers your primary care physician, specialists, durable medical equipment, surgeries, and other types of visits. Prescriptions, however, are covered under a different type of plan. Before you fill out your Medicare application form, research whether you need Medicare Part A or B.
If you already have creditable insurance through a spouse or family member (coverage deemed as-good-as Medicare), you should consult with your current insurance provider. Creditable other insurance may coordinate coverage with your Medicare benefits. Depending on your policy, you may be allowed to waive Part B, delaying your enrollment with no penalties when you add the coverage again in the future. It’s important to check with your insurance provider because if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible or waive the coverage without creditable other insurance, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty and could have a gap in your health coverage.
Who Should Apply?
Not everyone needs to fill out a Medicare enrollment application. If you are already receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI), Survivors, or Retirement benefits you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare when you are first eligible for medicare benefits. Only the following persons need to fill out a Medicare application online:
- Anyone at least 64 years and 9 months old, regardless of whether they are still working.
- Anyone who does not currently have any Medicare coverage.
- Anyone who does not want to receive any type of Social Security Retirement benefits at this time.
- In most cases, those receiving some form of Social Security benefits are already automatically enrolled in Medicare and should not have to fill out an application.
How Long Does the Medicare Application Process Take?
The application itself should take less than an hour, provided that you fill it out online, and Medicare cards generally arrive within 30 days of completing the application. If you are 64, plan to retire, and need Medicare coverage as soon as you do, it’s best to fill out the Medicare application form at least two months prior to when you plan to retire to make sure that you have no lapse in coverage.
Who Automatically Qualifies for Medicare?
As soon as you turn 65 you will be automatically entitled to Medicare Part A and Part B. If you are receiving disability benefits through Social Security, after 24 months of receiving benefits, you will also be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. However, if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s), you may be able to receive Medicare benefits sooner. Keep in mind that you may not have to keep Medicare Part B, which does charge a premium, if you have creditable other insurance. We recommend contacting Medicare and any current provider of health insurance you may have to discuss coordination of benefits. If you do not want to retire, but are turning 65 and want to apply for Medicare, you may still do so at SSA.gov.
What If I Don’t Automatically Qualify?
A person who has contributed to these federal benefits by paying FICA taxes must be turning 65 or be considered disabled by the Social Security Administration for a certain length of time (29 months) to enroll in Medicare, either automatically or through application. If you do not meet these criteria, your application will be denied. Low-income persons who need insurance often seek the help of Medicaid, which is a different benefit program, through their state of residence.
How Can Aevo Help Me?
Once you receive your Medicare card in the mail, the specialists at Aevo Services can help you choose an optimal and cost-effective Medicare policy, such as a Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, or Prescription Drug plan. The specialists at Aevo are advocates for you, and will help you identify a policy that meets your needs. To find out more about how we can help, click on the “Free Evaluation” button the bottom of the page, or call (877) 406-5160 to speak with a professional representative.
Aevo Insurance Services, LLC
Whether you have recently been awarded Social Security Disability benefits, are currently uninsured, or have coverage through an employer or government plan, the licensed Medicare specialists at Aevo Insurance Services, a subsidiary of The Advocator Group, are here to support you in making the proper financial decisions as you transition onto the Medicare program.
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