Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 6:46 am Post subject: Senior Medicare
Hi, I'd love to know how I'm automatically getting enrolled for medicare. I'm 65 now. Gary_lampert _________________ Register Now to have your Insurance queries solved.
Hi, are you on social security? I think this is time you know that all Americans who are 65 or more would be eligible to receive the medicare benefits. Those who are enjoying social security benefits would be automatically covered with medicare. If you don't go through the Medicare Part-A, then you'd risk your social security benefits. You don't really have a choice! Purpleheaded08 _________________ Register Now to have your Insurance queries solved.
Well, if you’re nearing 65 and you’re not receiving the Social Security benefits but would like to get yourself enrolled for the Medicare, you’re required to visit the nearest Social Security office or call them at 1-800-772-1213.
Hi there!
It is sometimes tough to answer such questions. To me it seems a good way of availing such coverage to our seniors who'd otherwise avoid going through the hassles of applying for it. That's one reason its still continuing even when private coverage are doing well in the insurance market. Crossbreed _________________ Register Now to have your Insurance queries solved.
Here is another piece of information that might help you.
If your annual income is less than $85,000 and if you’re single you’re required to pay a premium of $96 a month for availing the Part B coverage of the Medicare. However, for married couple (filling the tax return jointly) the cost will rise to $170.
The part B coverage of the Medicare would cover some of the health service expenses, which are otherwise excluded in the part A coverage such as, doctor service, outpatient care and so forth. The part B coverage is optional, but may be an useful addition at reasonable rate for better coverage.
You don't automatically get enrolled in Medicare. You can apply at any Social Security office in the country, provide proof of age and identity, and you're ready to go. At that point, you wil be enrolled in Medicare parts A and B, unless you decline Part B. Whole other story.
Medicare's "open enrollment" period is the three months before your 65th birthday month, the month of your 65th birthday, and the three months that follow. It adds up to a 7-month open enrollment period. If for some reason you miss this period, there is an annual open enrollment period the first three months of every year. If you enroll prior to the month of your 65th birthday, your coverage is effective the first day of your birthday month.
If you're "fully insured" through the S.S. system, Part A is at no premium- but has deductibles and other cost-sharing requirements. Part B, however, is considered "vopluntary" and requires a "standard" monthly premium of about $96 in 2008, and not much is going to change in 2009. Your premium will depend on your annual income; it's a sliding scale. As well, Part B has an annual deductible and cost-sharing arrangements as well. The deductible for Part B in 2009 is $135. If you want a whole slew of good info, go here: www.medicare.gov
Takes a little to navigate, but once you get the drift, it's a great site.
Way more to this Medicare thing, and when you add in Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans, and Part D (Prescription Drugs/Rx) plans, you get a ton of potentially confusing information.
If you need anything else, respond through this thread. Good luck, and hope this helps!
