How and When to Apply for Medicare Part A and Part B

Medicare enrolment is not always a straight forward easy procedure. Once you become eligible, there are different times when you can sign up for each portion of Medicare. For most people, Medicare sign-up takes place during an initial 7-month enrolment period (IEP). The IEP starts three months before you turn 65, and continues after your birthday for three months. Even with this time frame in mind, getting Medicare right can be confusing, and if you get it wrong, it may also cost you severely. To ask detailed questions on your Medicare Part A and B enrolment contact the specialists at WMAG and Jersey Medicare Solutions.

In this quick easy to read article, we’ll provide basic information on Part A and B as well as how and when to enrol for Medicare part A and B.

What Does Medicare Parts A and B Cover?

Part A of Medicare is a hospital insurance policy. Part A generally covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice care, and minimal facilities for home health care. 

Medicare Part B is like medical insurance, covers preventative care and medical necessary services.

• Visits to the Doctor’s Office.
• Preventive services, for example, tests and screenings.
• Lasting medical devices, like wheelchairs.

For more details and information Part A and B visit medicare.gov 

Part A

Part B

How to apply for Medicare part A and B

If you are looking to apply for Medicare Part A and Part B see the following:

• Apply online through Social Security through the following link APPLY FOR PART A and B.
• Give Social Security a call at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 7 PM.
• In-person at your local security office.
• Contact Specialists at WMAG and Jersey Medicare Solutions for questions and eligibility.

When to apply for Medicare part A and B?

For most situations, as you reach 65, you can qualify for Medicare. The open enrolment period begins three months before you turn 65 and extends three months after you turn 65. This is a 7-month window that is you initial enrolment period. Your coverage for Part B is likely to be delayed if you enrol the month that you turn 65 (or the three months that follow), so it is best practice to apply early to avoid a gap in coverage. Here’s how enrolment works depending on whether or not you are already benefiting from Social Security. 

If you are already receiving Social Security:

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits or benefits from the Railroad Retirement System, even receiving a deceased spouses social security benefits you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare (both Part A and Part B) starting on the first day of the month you turn 65. Your Medicare card will be sent to the address on file with the social security office and will usually be received three months prior to your birthday month including additional information about your Medicare benefits. 

If you are yet to receive Social Security benefits:

If you do not yet receive social security benefits or benefits from the Railroad Retirement System you are eligible to sign up for Medicare three months before the month you turn 65, but your enrolment will not occur automatically. You must call or apply online through the Social Security office – Apply Medicare A and B. Registering for Medicare Part A as soon as you are eligible, even if you still have coverage through a group health plan, could be to your benefit. Although qualified, you may not need to register in Part B, which requires you to pay a monthly premium. For detailed questions contact our specialists at WMAG and Jersey Medicare Solutions to decide what is best for you and or your spouse.

After enrolling in Medicare Part A and B then it is time to learn about participating in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Plan. That is the next question. Contact WMAG and Jersey Medicare Solutions to help provide you quotes and ideas that best fit your personal situation.