Americans could care less. 62.7 million Medicare beneficiaries live in the United States.
One reason why so many people are on Medicare is the ease of Medicare enrollment. You can enroll in Medicare online and over the phone. But you should be smart about what you are doing.
When can you enroll in Medicare? How do you enroll in Medicare online? Is it possible to enroll in person, and how can you enroll for Medicare supplements?
Answer these questions and you can gain great health insurance in no time. Here is your quick guide.
Requirements For Enrolling In Medicare
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Some people can get Medicare Part A for free. They must be at least 65 years of age, disabled, or diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. If they are applying for Medicare on the basis of disability, they must be unable to work.
Anyone applying for Part A must be entitled to receive it. They must have worked for long enough to earn credits in the system.
Someone who qualifies for Part A can qualify for Part B. But they may only be able to enroll at certain times of the year.
People who get Social Security benefits are automatically enrolled in Medicare. They do not have to go through a lengthy application process and they can receive benefits right away.
Some people may have to pay premiums on their coverage. This includes individuals who have a high income or who do not enroll in Medicare as soon as they turn 65.
How To Enroll In Medicare Online
Anyone who is not on Social Security must enroll in Medicine as soon as they are eligible. A person can try enrolling in Medicare through the Social Security Administration’s website at SSA.gov.
It is very important that applicants check the site that they are applying on. Some scammers claim to offer services online for Medicare enrollment. In reality, they are trying to steal your information.
When you visit the website, you will be prompted to create an account. Pick a username and password that you will remember.
You can then start your application for Medicare. You need to provide your date and place of birth.
If you are not an American citizen, you must give the name of your birth country at your birth time. You must also provide your Permanent Resident Card number.
You need to give the Administration your MEDICAID Number and your current health insurance information. It is okay if you are uninsured or are on an employer-sponsored health care plan.
You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. You can save your progress and then come back to it at a later date.
How To Enroll In Medicare Over The Phone
If I Put My Sim Card In Another Phone What Will Happen? You can sign up for Medicare over the phone as well. You can call the Social Security Administration and ask to start an application. You can also schedule an appointment so you can have an interview with a representative at a convenient time.
You cannot complete the entire process over the phone. The representative will take down your information so they can send you some forms. You then must complete the forms and mail them back to the Administration.
It is better to sign up online than over the phone. You can go at your own pace and you don’t have to wait for a service person to be available. If you have difficulty using a computer, get someone to help you instead of picking up the phone.
Applying In Person
Applying in person is your third option. You must go to a Social Security office and complete the paperwork there.
You can bring someone with you to help you complete the documents. You may need to provide proof of your citizenship or permanent residency in the United States.
Applying in person can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. It is a good option only if you are about to turn 65 and cannot use a computer or phone.
While you are at the office, you may want to check to make sure your Social Security benefits are secure. Feel free to talk to a representative about any problems you have paying for them or receiving them.
Shopping For Additional Healthcare Packages
Medicare Advantage can provide additional resources that Part A and Part B cannot provide. You can also get Medigap and Part D to cover prescriptions and special therapies.
As with Parts A and B, you can apply for additional Medicare packages online. You can also buy Medigap plans through your state.
You can go through brokers to get additional plans. A consultation with them is free, but they will charge you a fee for signing up with them. You may be able to enroll with them online or over the phone.
You can get supplemental insurance from private companies. This is a good option if you had private insurance that you would like to maintain in some way. Nearly all major private insurance companies let you sign up online.
Making Sure You Have Medicare
Medicare is comprehensive health insurance for older and disabled Americans. You can apply once you turn 65 or gain Social Security benefits.
You can enroll in Medicare online through the Social Security Administration’s website. If you choose to call the Administration to enroll, be prepared to wait. You can also apply through an in-person visit.
Keep in mind that you can get Medicare supplements as well. You may have to shop around for insurance packages or talk to private insurers online.
Don’t stop looking for great health insurance. Read more Medicare guides by following our coverage.
