Enrolling in Medicare can be a confusing and overwhelming process for individuals who are unfamiliar with the program. Between different eligibility for different parts of Medicare, there are also enrollment windows to be aware of. This overwhelming feeling may leave individuals with less coverage than they are eligible for. Fortunately, the Robert J Stillwell Agency has detailed information to help individuals who are looking for assistance with enrollment in any of the Medicare programs available today.
How to Enroll in Medicare Part A
Enrolling in Medicare Part A is relatively easy. For individuals who are applying for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits their application for those retirement benefits automatically acts as an application for Medicare Part A. Once you are approved for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits, you’ll automatically get Medicare Part A coverage. To be eligible for Part A at no cost, you must have worked 40 quarters or be eligible under a spouse who has.
If you have been receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits at least 4 months before you turn 65 years old, you will automatically receive Part A coverage. In this case you will also be signed up for Medicare Part B. Unlike Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B requires a premium so individuals can choose whether to keep their Medicare Part B coverage or not. To get more information regarding Medicare Part A and how to sign up visit the Medicare Part A page on the United States government’s website at www.ssa.gov to sign up.
How to Enroll in Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is the medical services portion of Medicare and helps to pay for medically necessary services like doctor’s visits, outpatient care and other medical services. If you are applying for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits, you automatically apply for Medicare Part A and Part B. In the case of Medicare Part B there is an additional premium, so individuals have the opportunity to decline Medicare Part B should they choose. Premium is based on your income.
If you are not eligible for Medicare Part A, or you would like to add Medicare Part B and you are already enrolled in Medicare Part A, you must contact Social Security.
How to Enroll in Medicare Part C
In order to enroll in Medicare Part C, typically the following must to be true:
- Have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B
- Live in the service area of the plan you would like to purchase
- Be a US citizen or lawfully reside in the US
- Have your Medicare Number and your Part A and Part B coverage start dates
Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage Plans. Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage Plans, are insurance plans offered by private insurance companies that help to cover expenses which are not covered by Original Medicare. These benefits may include dental, vision and hearing. Contact the Robert J Stillwell Agency to find the Medicare Advantage Plan which is right for you!
How to Enroll in Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D is the part of Medicare which helps to cover the costs of prescription drug coverage. Many Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part D, so it is important to speak with an agent to determine which coverage you are receiving.
You can only join a separate Medicare drug plan without losing your current health coverage when you’re in a:
- Private Fee-for-Service Plan
- Medical Savings Account Plan
- Cost Plan
- Certain employer-sponsored Medicare health plans
- Talk to your current plan if you have questions about what will happen to your current health coverage.
If you are considering adding a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, speak with an agent at the Robert J Stillwell Agency. An experienced representative will be able to speak with you regarding your specific coverage and offer guidance to find a plan which meets your needs and budget. You only need Medicare Part A and/or Part B to get Part D.
The Robert J Stillwell Agency has a vast amount of experience navigating the many Medicare coverages and plans. If you are looking for an insurance agency in Pennsylvania, or any of the other states which the Robert J Stillwell Agency offers coverage, contacting us today and our representatives would be happy to discuss the options available to you.