Enrolling in Medicare

Enrolling in Medicare doesn't have to be daunting. Below are a few simple facts that will help you understand the Medicare Enrollment Process.

3 Ways to Enroll

Initial Medicare enrollment is managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

APPLY ONLINE

at www.ssa.gov

CALL SSA

1-800-772-1213

APPLY IN PERSON

at your local SSA office

THINGS TO KNOW:

You are not obligated to enroll in Medicare at Age 65 if you are still working, participate in your Employer Group Health Plan, and your employer has a minimum of 20 employees.
Most people find that enrolling in Medicare may give them better coverage and more freedom and benefits than they currently have.
If you are not clear on your enrollment options and timeline for your IEP (Initial Enrollment Period), contact your Human Resources/Benefits Administrator, or reach out to us by phone, text, or email.

4 Ways to Participate

MEDICARE PART A

Inpatient Hospitalization, Skilled Nursing Care, and Hospice

MEDICARE PART B

All of your Outpatient Services, including Doctors, clinics, and Out-Patient Surgical Centers, Labs, and durable medical equipment

MEDICARE PART C

Medicare Advantage

For those who prefer Medicare Advantage, these plans replace Part A and Part B, and most Medicare Advantage plans include Prescription Drug Coverage.

MEDICARE PART D

Prescription Drug Coverage

THINGS TO KNOW:

Everyone should at least enroll in Medicare Part A when they turn 65. Medicare Part A covers your Hospitalization, Skilled Nursing Care (rehabilitation facilities), and Hospice later in life. And, for 99% of Medicare Beneficiaries, Part A is free. We earned this through our working careers by paying Medicare and Social Security Taxes.
Enrolling in Medicare Part B is optional and can be delayed. However, if you have already begun to receive your Social Security benefits, you need to know that you will automatically be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B when you turn 65. You can contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to cancel your automatic enrollment into Medicare Part B if you want to, but it will not happen automatically.
It is currently taking the SSA about 6 weeks to process Medicare applications. So, you will want to start the process as close to the beginning of your IEP as possible.

About 5-6 weeks after your Medicare Enrollment Application has been received, you will receive a letter in the mail from the SSA, informing you that your application is being processed and that you will receive another letter within a few weeks. That second letter will typically confirm your enrollment and can include your Medicare Card, or your MB (Medicare Beneficiary ID Number). Your MBI is the key to everything Medicare. I recommend laminating it to keep it safe, since you will reach for it in your wallet or billfold often.
Once you have completed your Enrollment Application, if you ever get stuck, rattled, overwhelmed, or confused by the Medicare Enrollment process, just take a deep breath, relax, and get in touch with us, and we promise we will be here 1,000% for you.
Typically, when you receive your first invoice for Medicare Part B, it will be a Quarterly (3-Month) Statement. To avoid this in the future, simply log in to the Medicare Website at www.medicare.gov to set up your own Medicare Account Portal, and enroll in Medicare’s Easy Pay. Easy Pay allows you to set up automatic monthly payments for your Part B invoices.
Once you begin taking your Social Security, your Medicare Part B premium will be automatically deducted from your Social Security Check each month.
Everyone who participates in Medicare (Be it Original Medicare or Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)) must pay the monthly Medicare Part B premium, which can change from year to year.
Some individuals with extremely low incomes may receive extra help to pay their Part B premiums.
While the SSA is processing your enrollment in Medicare, you can begin to compare Original Medicare, Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan. Ask your Broker or agent about this.
Once you receive your new Medicare ID Card, you can choose your Medicare Health Plan and complete enrollment in the plan of your choice.
We recommend that everyone work with a licensed, independent Medicare broker in their area. Instead of an Agent. Why do we say that? It is simple, really. Brokers aren't limited to one company's plans; they can offer more options because they are contracted with multiple carriers. This gives you more plans to choose from, increasing your chances of finding the plan that best suits your individual wants, needs, and healthcare preferences.

More Resources

Dig in to find the help you need or contact me directly.
This is what I do, I love helping Medicare make sense.

Contact Michael

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Did you know that more people spend time researching a new car than they do researching how to enroll in Medicare? It's true, and I get it, the government spends no time making sure we all understand what Medicare is all about; they just assume we will figure it out, eventually. We made this checklist to help everyone stay on track with their healthcare in retirement. Having been an independent Medicare Broker and a CMP (Certified Medicare Planner), I have seen too many peo

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SOLVING THESE 7 MEDICARE POST-ENROLLMENT COMPLAINTS

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ARE YOU PLANNING TO WORK PAST AGE 65?

Many individuals choose to continue their careers well past their sixty-fifth birthday. If you are among this active group of older adults, you might wonder exactly when you should enroll in Medicare. This is an extremely important question, and it relies heavily on your current healthcare coverage. You must carefully evaluate your unique situation to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure continuous medical protection as you transition into this new phase of your life.

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YOUR ROADMAP FOR ENROLLING IN MEDICARE

Most people do not realize that Medicare is the National Health Insurance program for Americans 65 years of age and older, as well as those who have been granted a full-time disability by the Social Security Administration. Medicare is not for the Poor or Homeless. Medicaid is health insurance for individuals whose income is below national guidelines, and for those who need extra help. Medicare is the best option for individuals when they reach age 65.

MEDICARE & PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

In today's article, we will discuss and explain what pre-existing conditions are covered and accepted by Medicare. Yes, Medicare does cover pre-existing medical conditions. From the moment you enroll, Medicare ensures that you receive the treatment and care you need, regardless of your health. However, certain exceptions and specifics apply depending on the type of Medicare plan you choose.

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YOUR FIRST 90 DAYS WITH MEDICARE

Once you’re enrolled in Parts A and B, the next step is determining how you want to receive your benefits. You have two primary options: stick with Original Medicare, which allows you to visit any provider and any hospital in the US, or choose Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, which bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into one plan.

Braden Medicare Insurance Poster showing and explaining the Red, White and Blue Medicare Card

CONGRATULATIONS, YOU RECEIVED YOUR MEDICARE CARD, NOW WHAT DO YOU DO

When your Medicare card arrives, the first thing to do is verify your Part A and Part B effective dates. These dates are essential because they determine when your coverage begins. Mistakes, although rare, can still occur, so be sure to double-check your Medicare Card for accuracy.

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MEDICARE'S MOST COMMON ENROLLMENT MISTAKES

There can be consequences and penalties if a new Medicare Beneficiary does not enroll in Medicare within their IEP, provided they have no other "Creditable Medical Coverage", such as a Group Employer Health Plan from a company with more than 20 Employees, or FEHB Members.

BRADEN MEDICARE INSURANCE' POSTER ABOUT "How To Enroll In Medicare".

BRADEN MEDICARE SHOWS YOU HOW TO ENROLL IN MEDICARE

One of the interesting aspects of enrolling in Medicare is the fact that you apply for Medicare benefits through the Social Security Administration. The SSA processes each Medicare enrollment application because it has access to all of your personal information, and it is more efficient for them to vet each prospective Medicare beneficiary first. Once your application is approved, you will receive a letter confirming your enrollment and that your Medicare Card will arrive b