- If you want to enroll in a Medicare insurance plan (such as a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage Plan), then the first step is to be enrolled in both Part A and Part B through the Social Security office.
- If you do not already
receive Social Security
benefits when you turn 65, you must to apply
for Medicare yourself. You can make an appointment at your local Social Security office to enroll or you can even enroll directly online at https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/rib .
However if you already receive Social Security benefits when you turn 65, the federal government will automatically enroll you in Medicare. You should not need to sign up for Medicare and your Medicare will start on the first of the month that you turn 65. Click this link to read related blog post.
To avoid penalties, you must enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period. Your Initial Enrollment Period includes the three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, and the three months following your 65th birthday. If you enroll in Medicare during this seven month period, you can avoid late enrollment penalties and gaps in health insurance coverage.
The Part B premium will be automatically deducted from your Social Security check. However, if for some reason you choose that you don’t want Part B you can contact the Social Security office and opt out of it. (Keep in mind there will be penalties later on if you decide you want to enroll in Part B later on in life and you didn’t enroll when you were first eligible.) - Once you are eligible, you can then pick the Medicare insurance plan and insurance company that you personally feel will best accommodate your needs. There are a variety ways of choosing Medicare Insurance plans, but it can be quite confusing and overwhelming doing all the research yourself. That is the time where you may want to choose an independent agent that carries multiple carriers to assist you. (Please Note: Independent agents are paid directly by the insurance company if you enroll through the agent. Commissions and fees are NOT paid to the agents by the clients’ themselves. Also keep in mind that independent Medicare insurance agents do not work directly for the Federal government.)
- Gist: So if you enroll online or by phone directly with the insurance company, it will still cost you the same as enrolling with an independent agent, but without the benefit of a local independent agent explaining things in depth to you personally. Also by enrolling directly with an independent agent such as myself, you will get the benefit of a local person explaining Medicare to you in person on a one-on-one basis in your home, office, or other location, as well as explaining different Medicare insurance plans from different insurance companies, answering all your questions, and then also being here locally if you have questions, etc. after you are enrolled. With all the extra benefits of using a local independent agent to enroll you in a Medicare insurance plan at no additional cost to you, it is really a no-brainer to enroll through an independent agent. Call me at 941-404-5334, if I can assist you.
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.