MEDICARE BLOG

Basic Medicare (Part A and B) is reserved for people 65 or older, however the enrollment eligibility may vary. Are you on social security? Are you still working at age 65? These, and a few other factors will impact how/when you enroll in basic Medicare.

If you are still working at age 65 you will need to sign up for Medicare on your own. Enrollment options include:

• Online by visiting ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
• By phone by calling 1-800-772-1213
• In person by visiting your local Social Security office (find your office here secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp)

You can check the status of your Medicare application by visiting ssa.gov/apply/check-application-or-appeal-status.

Have these documents ready when you are applying for social security age 62, or basic Medicare age 65:

1. Your Social Security card (if applying for Medicare at 65)
2. Your birth certificate
3. Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency if not born in the U.S.
4. Military discharge papers (if applicable)
5. Tax returns for the last two years

The government offers Medicare coverage for people under the age of 65 with the following conditions:

• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant
• ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) aka Lou Gehrig's disease

To receive Medicare coverage under these conditions call 1-800-772-1213.

If you previously declined or never signed up for Part B, there is a special enrollment period to avoid penalties. If you’ve been covered by an active employer group health plan (either yours or your spouse's) since turning 65, and it ended within the last 8 months, you can enroll in Part B without any penalty.

To apply for Part B only, start here secure.ssa.gov/mpboa/medicare-part-b-online-application/

Outside of basic Medicare, you may need additional coverage for services like prescription drugs, vision, dental, long-term care (assisted living/nursing), and more. You should consider enrolling in additional coverage options like Medicare Part D (prescription drugs), Medigap (supplement insurance), Medicare Advantage (vision, dental, hearing) and private Long-Term Care insurance. Learn more about all Medicare options in our Medicare 101 education course.

These plans are offered through private carriers, and the costs and coverage options will vary. Contact our Michigan Medicare agents today to learn more about additional coverage options in your area.

Tyrone Carr & Associates (TCA) is a licensed Medicare agency with 2 decades of experience helping people make the best Medicare and Insurance decisions. TCA is located in Brighton, Michigan, and licensed in 20 states.

For more information about our services, contact our office today.