How to enroll in Medicare?

How, when and where do I enroll in Medicare?

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Qualifying for Medicare is an important achievement, and making the transition can be very confusing. Depending on your case, the Social Security Administration may enroll you automatically or you may need to enroll manually.

Automatic enrollment

Some people get Medicare automatically while others have to enroll manually. In most cases, it depends on whether you are receiving Social Security benefits.

If you are currently receiving Social Security Income or Railroad Retirement Benefits at least four months before your 65th birthday, the Social Security office will automatically enroll you in Medicare Parts A and B and you will receive your three red, white, and blue Medicare card months before the birthday month. However, if you live in Puerto Rico, you will automatically be enrolled in Part A and must complete an application for Part B. (You can find the application for Part B at www.medicare.gov as well as contact one of our agents at Avila Medicare Solutions for a copy).

After you enroll, your Medicare benefits will begin on the first day of the month that you turn 65. However, if her birthday is on the first of the month, her Medicare benefits will begin on the first day of the previous month.

Manual enrollment

On the other hand, if you are not receiving Social Security Income or Railroad Retirement Benefits, you will need to manually enroll in Medicare, either by calling the Social Security Administration toll free at 1-800-772-1213 or through one of their local offices. But if you are Internet savvy, you can register online at www.ssa.gov.

If you need help signing up, you can also contact one of our agents at Avila Medicare Solutions for free help. You will be able to complete your enrollment no earlier than 90 days prior to your eligibility date, which is typically the first day of the month you turn 65.

Medicare disability

These are the most common cases to qualify and enroll in Medicare; however, if you have certain disabilities, you may also qualify for automatic enrollment. For example, if you are under 65 and receive Social Security disability or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for 24 months, you will be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B, and your red, white, and blue card will be mailed to you. three months before the 25th month of disability.

Also, if you have ALS disease, also known as Lou Gherig’s disease, you will also automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B the month your disability benefits start and receive your red, white and blue card from Medicare in the same month.

Lastly, if you have End-Stage Renal Disease and qualify for Medicare Part A, you can choose to manually enroll in Parts A and/or B immediately upon eligibility. To enroll, contact the Social Security Administration by phone or online at www.ssa.gov.

Part B delayed?

While most people qualify for free Part A and therefore sign up to receive this part, some people may choose to delay their enrollment in Part B. Look for our next video and article on why you might want or not delaying Part B and what are the consequences.

Do you have any questions?

Contact us at 855-GO-AVILA and speak with one of our authorized and certified agents.


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