Signing Up for Medicare
The "Extra Help" provision of the prescription drug plan allows seniors who receive Medicaid to get drug coverage with no monthly premium or annual deductible, and a small co-pay on drugs costs up to $3,600, with Medicare covering all drug costs above $3,600. Medicare users with lower incomes who do not receive Medicaid can still get assistance in the form of lower premiums and deductibles. There are similar programs available to help pay the costs of Part B as well. You can learn more about these financial assistance programs in this Social Security publication. |
If you receive Social Security before you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Part A and Part B the month you turn 65. Three months before your 65th birthday, you'll receive your Medicare card in the mail. You can opt out of Part B by following the instructions on the card.
If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you can apply for both those benefits and Medicaid at the Social Security Web site. To apply only for Medicare, call 1-800-772-1213.
You can enroll in Part B during several different periods:
- Initial Enrollment Period - This begins three months before your 65th birthday and lasts for seven months.
- General Enrollment Period - Jan. 1 to March 31 of every year. Coverage begins July 1.
- Special Enrollment Period - If you receive group health coverage through work, a union, or your spouse, you can delay enrolling in Part B without incurring the ten percent penalty. You can enroll in Part B at any time while you are covered by a group health plan, or during the eight months after your coverage ends.
If you are under age 65, but are disabled or suffer from end-stage renal disease, you are eligible for Medicare if you have received Social Security benefits for at least 24 months. To apply, call the number listed above.
Next, we'll explain Medicare administration and funding.
