Medicare Open Enrollment-How Does It Work?
Medicare Open Enrollment-How Does It Work?
It is fairly easy to start the process to sign up for Medicare. The Social Security Administration website, http://www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly/, allows you to sign up online. There are a few simple requirements to take advantage of the process. You must be at least 64 1/2 years old, you don’t have any Medicare Coverage, your residence is in the United States or one of the its commonwealths or territories. Additional you do not need or want to start receiving Social Security benefits at this time. You can apply for Medicare online while applying later for your Social Security benefits.
What are the Medicare Open Enrollment Dates?
Each year, there is an open enrollment. The next enrollment date is January 1, 2011 – March 31, 2011. Your Medicare coverage will then begin July 1st, 2011. Each enrollment period is for 3 months beginning on January 1st and your coverage begins the following 1st of July of the year you enrolled. You need to mark your calendar for January 1st, 2012, January 1st, 2013, January 1st, 2014, January 1st, 2015, January 1st, 2016, January 1st, 2017, January 1st, 2018, January 1st, 2019, and January 1st, 2020. You can make changes during the open enrollment period.
How does it work to enroll in Medicare?
You will be asked to verify you birthday to see if you meet the age requirement. You will also be asked about your marital status. There are questions about your tax status whether you filed jointly or separate. Additional there are more questions regarding your status applying for, Medicare Part A, Part B ,both A & B, or not enrolled. Though there are more questions, they are easy to answer. It isn’t a difficult process to complete online.
What if I don’t have internet access to take advantage of the Medicare Open Enrollment?
You can still take advantage of the Medicare Open Enrollment period by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). This number provides general and specific Medicare information. You can also get important telephone numbers to use. You prefer to have a face to face meeting with someone, you can call this number to find out where your local Social Security office is located. Be sure to take your Social Security card with you when you go to the office.
Related posts:
- When Is The Open Enrollment Period For Medicare?
- When Is The Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
- What If I Missed The Medicare Open Enrollment?
- What Do I Need To Do During Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment?
- Can I Make Changes During Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment?
I am currently working, I have reached my 65th birthday in September 2010. Currently I have no intentions of retiring, I have health coverage through my company. Must I apply for Medicare now? or will I be penilized later if I don’t. If so which do I apply for Medicare A or B?