How to Enroll Into Medicare

How to Enroll In Medicare?  So you’re turning 65, your coming of age.  So now, what do you need to do to enroll in Medicare?  You need to make a financial decision before you enroll in Medicare, and that is, have you started taking Social Security, or will you begin taking Social Security Income when you are 65??  This answer will dictate how you will enroll in Medicare.

If you are taking Social Security, you will automatically be enrolled into Medicare, be watching your mail for your red, white, and blue Medicare card.  Typically it will come in a manila government envelope that says CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).  Do not throw this away!!!!!

If you are not taking Social Security, you must enroll in Medicare manually.  Don’t procrastinate on this; it is a bureaucratic program that doesn’t necessarily move at lightning speed.  That being said, they will not let you enroll until 90 days before the 1st month of your birthday.  For example, you turn 65 on September 22nd., Medicare will be effective 09-01

You can also take a look at this little video for pointers. https://www.youtube.com/embed/HoqUKCHz-48

You can enroll in one of several ways.  I have detailed it in video format as I found it easier to digest.  If you need to pause to take notes, just hitting the pause button is easy. 

Steps to manually enroll in Medicare

1. Going to the Medicare website (http://www.medicare.gov/) and enrolling there (by way of the Social Security Website),
2. We are going into the local Social Security office.
3. Calling Social Security on the phone.  (1-800-772-1213) Why you may ask are you calling Social Security when all you want to do is enroll in Medicare?  Well, I’m glad you asked.  The Social Security department handles enrollment into Medicare.

When enrolling, you will want to enroll in both Parts A and B.  As you know, Medicare Part A (Hospital) covers in-patient hospitals, Skilled Nursing, and Hospice.  Medicare Part B (Medical) covers outpatient doctors, labs & x-rays.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call; I am more than happy to help wherever possible.  Once enrolled in Medicare, call me, and let’s review your Medicare Supplemental options.  352-508-4221