How to Apply for Medicare
What help is available?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people
- Age 65 or older
- Under 65 with certain disabilities
- Any age with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).
Medicare has four parts:
- Part A is hospital insurance.
- Part B is medical insurance.
- Part C Medical Advantage Plans are a private insurance option for covering hospital and medical costs.
- Part D covers prescription medications.
Medicare
is managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The Social Security Administration works with CMS by enrolling people in
Medicare.
Am I eligible?
- To find out when you are eligible, you need to answer a few questions and learn how to calculate your premium.
- If you are eligible, learn about the enrollment period.
How do I apply?
There are several ways to enroll in Medicare:
- Before you apply, learn about your coverage options. Decide if you want Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C).
- Determine if you want coverage for prescription drugs.
- Next, use the Medicare Plan Finder Tool and search to find more accurate cost estimates and coverage information.
- Apply online for Medicare only if you’re not ready to also begin receiving your Social Security benefits.
- Apply in person for Medicare at your local Social Security office.
How do I check the status of my application?
How do I complain?
- Learn the different ways to file a complaint about Medicare.
- You can submit feedback about your Medicare health plan or prescription drug plan directly to Medicare using the online complaint form.
How do I report fraud?
- Learn where and how to report suspected Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse.
Who do I contact for extra help?
For questions about billing or for other information, contact Medicare by phone or mail.
Is there anything else I need to know?
- Review this chart showing Medicare costs for 2017.
- If you do not enroll in Medicare Part B when you are first eligible and decide to enroll at a later date, you will pay a penalty for as long as you are enrolled in Part B.
- You do not need to sign up for Medicare each year. But each year, you will have a chance to review your coverage and change plans.
- Learn more about your plan and benefits by creating a myMedicare.gov account.
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Part D of Medicare is an insurance coverage plan for prescription medication. Learn about the costs for Medicare drug coverage.
Eligibility
Prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D) is available to anyone with Medicare.
How to Apply
There are two ways to get Medicare drug coverage:
- Add a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) to your Medicare approved insurance policy.
- Get a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) such as an HMO or PPO that offers Medicare prescription drug coverage.
When You Can Apply or Change Your Plan
- You can join or change your drug plan only at certain times of the year or under special circumstances.
- You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty, which is an amount added to your Medicare Part D premium, if you decide not to join when you are first eligible.
Replace Your Medicare Card
You can replace your Medicare card in one of the following ways if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed:
- Log into your MyMedicare.gov account and request one.
- Request a replacement Medicare card online.
- Call or visit your local Social Security Administration office.
Medicare Coverage Outside the United States
Medicare coverage outside the United States is limited. Learn about coverage if you live or are traveling outside the United States.
Original Medicare
If you have Original Medicare and have a Medigap policy, it may provide coverage for foreign travel emergency health care.
Voluntary Termination of Medicare Part B
- You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance). It is a serious decision. You must submit Form CMS-1763 (not available online) to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- You’ll need to have a personal interview with Social Security before you can terminate your Medicare Part B coverage. To schedule your interview, call the SSA or your local Social Security office.
Source: usa.gov
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