Are you one of the few people automatically enrolled in Medicare?
Most people don’t know if they are or are not automatically enrolled. You may face penalties if you assume you are automatically but are not.
Let’s get very clear on who is automatically enrolled in Medicare so you don’t make a mistake.
If you are already collecting Railroad Retirement Board or Social Security retirement benefits when you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Medicare will send you a card in the mail approximately 3 months before your 65th birthday, but your Medicare won’t be effective until the 1st day of your 65th birthday month.
For everyone else, you will need to complete necessary paperwork to enroll in Medicare.
I highly recommend you complete your Medicare Part A and B enrollment paperwork three (3) months before you want Medicare to be effective. This means three (3) months before your 65th birthday for most people.
Now, some people who are atomically enrolled in Medicare may not need both Medicare Part A and B. If you choose to keep working and are eligible to remain on your employer’s group health plan (or your spouse’s health plan), you may need to dis-enroll from Part B coverage. When you disenroll from Part B you will avoid an automatic withdrawal for the Part B (Medical) premium from your Social Security check.
Here’s what you do. If you want Part B now, cut out and keep the card. Your coverage and premiums begin on the date shown.
If you do not want Part B, carefully follow the instructions on the backside of the form. This is the form you received in the mail 3 months before you turn 65. Check the box indicating: I Do Not Want Medical Insurance __ (check here). Sign you name where indicated and return the entire form in the enclosed envelope.
Do not tear off the Medicare card. You must return the form BEFORE the Part B effective date shown on the card.
You still have Part A even though you do not want Part B. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services will send you a new card showing that you have Part A only.
Now you know who is automatically enrolled in Medicare. And you know how to unenroll from Part B if you are automatically enrolled but don’t need it.
If you are joining Medicare in the next 12 months please join my free Medicare workshop to get 5 easy to follow steps to make your best Medicare decision. Click here to join.
