To enroll in Medicare Part B, you generally have a few options. Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Here’s how you can enroll:
**1. Automatic Enrollment:**
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you will typically be enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) automatically. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday.
**2. Applying Online:**
If you are not receiving Social Security benefits yet, you can still apply for Medicare Part B online. Visit the Social Security Administration’s website (ssa.gov) and follow the instructions for applying for Medicare.
**3. Applying in Person:**
You can visit your local Social Security office to apply in person. Use the Social Security Office Locator on the SSA website to find the nearest office.
**4. Applying by Phone:**
You can also call the Social Security Administration at their toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative who can help you enroll over the phone.
**5. Special Enrollment Periods:**
If you missed your initial enrollment period around your 65th birthday, you may still be able to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you meet certain criteria. For instance, if you or your spouse are still working and have group health plan coverage based on that current employment, you may qualify for an SEP.
**Important Notes:**
There is a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare that begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after your birthday month. If you enroll during the first three months of your IEP, your coverage will start the month you turn 65.
If you enroll in Part B during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31 each year), your coverage will start on July 1 of that year, and you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
There is a monthly premium for Medicare Part B, and this premium amount can change annually. Some people might also need to pay a higher premium based on their income.
It’s important to carefully review all the information available on the official Medicare website (medicare.gov) or contact the Social Security Administration for personalized guidance regarding your specific situation and the enrollment process.
Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) typically starts automatically when you turn 65. There is usually no charge for Part A, because a beneficiary or dependent has paid for this coverage through income tax during their working career.
