Do I need Part A and Part B?
If you want to get either a Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drug Plan OR instead a Medicare Advantage plan, you will first need to be enrolled in both Part A and Part B.
How do I get Part A and Part B?
Some people get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) automatically and other people have to sign up for it. In most cases, it depends on whether you’re getting Social Security benefits.1
Below are some situations that may apply to you:
- I’ll be getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at least 4 months before I turn 65.
In most cases, you'll automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. Note: If your birthday is on the first day of the month, Part A and Part B will start the first day of the prior month!
If you will be getting Social Security benefits, you don’t need to enroll manually since you should automatically be enrolled Part A and Part B. You should receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the US Mail approximately 3 months before your 65th birthday.
- I won’t be getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at least 4 months before I turn 65.
If you aren’t getting benefits from Social Security (or the RRB) at least 4 months before you turn 65, you'll need to sign up with Social Security to get Part A and Part B.
(Note: You should generally sign up three months in advance of your 65th Birth Month, since it can take a while to process your enrollment.)
So how do I sign up?- Apply online at Social Security. (Note: If you started your online application and have your re-entry number, you can go back to Social Security to finish your application.)
These web links should be very helpful:
- Apply online at Social Security. (Note: If you started your online application and have your re-entry number, you can go back to Social Security to finish your application.)
- Apply Online for Medicare Part B During a Special Enrollment Period
- https://secure.ssa.gov/mpboa/medicare-part-b-online-application/
- Visit your local Social Security office.
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).
- If you worked for a railroad, call the RRB at 1-877-772-5772.
- If you already have Part A and want to sign up for Part B, complete an Application for Enrollment in Part B (CMS-40B).
- I'm under 65 and have a disability.
You automatically get Part A and Part B after you get one of these:
1. Disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months
2. Certain disability benefits from the RRB for 24 months
- I have ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig's disease).
You automatically get Part A and Part B the month your disability benefits begin.
You don't need to sign up if you automatically get Part A and Part B. You'll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail the month your disability benefits begin. - I have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
If you’re eligible for Medicare because of ESRD, you can enroll in Part A and Part B.
If you qualify for Part A, you can also get Part B. Enrolling in Medicare is your choice. But, you’ll need both Part A and Part B to get the full benefits available under Medicare to cover certain dialysis and kidney transplant services.
When you enroll in Medicare based on ESRD and you’re on dialysis, Medicare coverage usually starts on the first day of the fourth month of your dialysis treatments. This waiting period will start even if you haven’t signed up for Medicare. For example, if you don’t sign up until after you’ve met all the requirements, your coverage could begin up to 12 months before the month you apply.
If you're covered by an employer group health plan, your Medicare coverage will still start the fourth month of dialysis treatments. Your employer group may pay the first 3 months of dialysis.
Medicare coverage can start as early as the first month of dialysis if you meet all of these conditions:
- You take part in a home dialysis training program offered by a Medicare-certified training facility to teach you how to give yourself dialysis treatments at home.
- Your doctor expects you to finish training and be able to do your own dialysis treatments.
- The regular course of dialysis is maintained throughout the waiting period that would otherwise apply.
If you have Medicare only because of permanent kidney failure, Medicare coverage will end:
- 12 months after the month you stop dialysis treatments.
- 36 months after the month you have a kidney transplant.
Your Medicare coverage will be extended if:
- You start dialysis again, or you get a kidney transplant within 12 months after the month you stopped getting dialysis.
- You start dialysis or get another kidney transplant within 36 months after the month you get a kidney transplant.
For more details click on web link below:
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/ready-to-sign-up-for-part-a-part-b
For a relate blog post, click the web link below:
Do I Need Part A & Part B at Age 65?
1. Source: https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/how-do-i-get-parts-a-b
Note: Medicare Insurance information can be overwhelming and confusing to many people. As an independent licensed agent I can explain things to you in simple terms so you feel comfortable making a decision. Then I can help you choose and enroll in a plan that you feel fits your needs.
By the way, it doesn’t cost you any more if you enroll in a Medicare Insurance plan through me as an independent agent versus directly with an insurance company either over the phone or via the Internet, since I get paid by the insurance companies for your enrollment. Plus you will have personalized service by a local agent. If you would like my assistance, please call me at 941-404-5334.
By calling this number, I understand I will be directed to a licensed insurance sales agent.