Hello Tony
I was fired. My husband Art, 70, has been covered by my company’s insurance for the past 15 years. I chose not to accept my company’s COBRA offer, because I could receive a reasonable cash payment that would cover more than one year of insurance premiums. I am 64 years old and got a quote from the insurance marketplace in my state.
We were told that because Art is over 65 and not registered in Class B, he will get a Class B penalty. Is this true? Explain what our Medicare enrollment options are because we are of different ages and have different enrollment statuses. Thank you.
– Jane from New York
Very good question, Jane.
There are two different rules when it comes to enrolling in Medicare Part A and B in your family, and I’m going to make it easy for you and Wise to enroll in Medicare.
Art must apply for the Special Enrollment Period.
Have your HR department complete and sign the form and attach it to the application. Write “Special Enrollment Period” at the top of each page and submit both forms to your local Social Security office. Art should advise the Social Security representative that you are losing your company benefits and need a Part B to start ASAP. Enter the effective date as the first of the month in number 12, the “Remarks” section of Part B of the application.
Jane, the process of enrolling in Medicare is simple and very different from ARTS because you will turn 65 in one year. Go to SSA.gov/benefits/medicare at least 90 days before you turn 65 and apply online for the first day of the month you turn 65.
Readers, if you need help applying for Medicare Part B, you can call your local Social Security office directly for help filling out the forms. Most Social Security direct phone numbers can be found by searching online for that specific office’s 800-number. Or call the Social Security 800-number at 800-772-1213. Chapter 1 of Tony’s “Medicare Survival Guide Advanced” edition explains in detail how to enroll in Medicare. Or you can call the Tony Says Medicare Hotline at 832-519-8664 or email [email protected] for Medicare Assistance.
Here is a checklist for Medicare enrollees:
1. Original Medicare Part A: Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing/rehab stays, blood transfusions, home health, and hospice.
2. Original Medicare Part B: Covers everything for non-patient services or prescriptions – doctor visits, outpatient procedures, physical therapy, durable medical equipment, blood tests, X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, chemotherapy, etc. .
3. Original Medicare/Medicare Benefits: Discuss with your health care facilities and medical professionals which Medicare plan you will accept with Medicare Supplement or Medicare Part C. Explore the Medicare Advantage plan hospital/provider online directory. Call to verify they are currently in network.
4. Medicare Prescription Drug Plans: Research each year to see if your stand-alone prescription drug or Medicare Advantage plan’s prescription formulary covers all of your brand or generic prescription drugs.
5. Always make a copy of every document you give to or receive from the Social Security office.
Tony King is an author and columnist on Medicare and health insurance issues. If you have a Medicare question, email [email protected] or call 832-519-8664.