7 Common Questions (and Answers!) about Medicare (318 hits)
Over 10,000 people will enroll in Medicare every day over the next 10 years.
Are you one of them? Or do you know someone who is nearing this rite of passage?
Luckily, it’s not as complicated as it may seem. Explore 7 common questions (and answers) about how to get started with Medicare.
1. How do I enroll in Medicare? Is it automatic when I turn 65?
To enroll in Medicare, most people need to contact Social Security directly. Do this before your 65th birthday to avoid a lapse in health coverage.
Some people — including early retirees receiving Social Security and those with Social Security disability or Railroad Retirement benefits ¯ are automatically enrolled in Medicare when they become eligible.
You can enroll online, at your local Social Security office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
2. When do I have to enroll?
You have a 7-month window around your 65th birthday to enroll. This is called the Initial Enrollment Period.
After that, you can still enroll in Medicare, but you may have to wait for a designated special/general enrollment period to do so. Learn more about when to join.
3. What if I’m still working and have insurance? Do I need to enroll at age 65?
If you are working past age 65 and have insurance from your job (or your spouse is working and you get health coverage that way), you should contact your plan and review how your coverage will change before deciding whether you need to enroll in Medicare now.
The National Council on Aging offers a free website My Medicare Matters with some helpful tips for what to consider if you have other health insurance besides Medicare.
4. Does Medicare cover ____________?
Medicare covers a wide range of medically necessary screenings, supplies and procedures. Some are free, including many preventive services.
The Medicare & You handbook, which Medicare sends out every year to beneficiaries, provides a summary of many covered services.
For more specific coverage details, Medicare.gov contains a helpful online search tool where you can find whether a test, item or service is covered.
You also may speak with your doctor, or you can contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to verify coverage based on your personal situation.
5. I’m going on a cruise/overseas trip. Will Medicare cover me if I need emergency care when I’m away?
Medicare covers health care for people when they are physically located within the 50 U.S. states, District of Columbia and U.S. territories.
In rare cases, Medicare Part A may cover medically necessary services in a foreign country when a foreign hospital is closer than a U.S. facility. Learn more about these exceptions.
In some cases, Medicare Part B may cover medically necessary health care while on board a cruise ship within the territorial waters adjoining the U.S. Generally, Medicare won’t pay for services you get when a ship is more than six hours away from a U.S. port.
If you have a supplemental insurance policy, you should check to see if it covers medical care abroad. Otherwise, it is recommended to purchase travel insurance before your trip, which can help to offset the costs of overseas emergency care if it’s needed.
6. How do I pay for my Medicare?
If you are receiving Social Security benefits at the time you enroll in Medicare, your Part B premium will be deducted automatically from your monthly check.
If you have not begun to receive Social Security yet, you will receive a quarterly bill for your premium, which you can pay several different ways.
If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan, typically you will pay the plan directly for your premium. ...
Jen, this is very helpful. Full of information and answers to Medicare questions I sometimes get asked. This is a great sharing blog in your work.
Saturday, July 27th 2013 at 1:08PM
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