Do not continue to make this mistake

We need to talk to you about this at the beginning of the month because it is extremely important during the Medicare Open Period.

For those people who do not have Medicare Part B, because they have delayed it and do not have health coverage with an employer, this is extremely important to know because you are going to find out if you have to pay any penalties and how to avoid them, and to do so you must apply for Part B.

When the person is automatically enrolled in Medicare, it is because they are receiving Social Security benefits, so this office automatically enrolls them and sends them the Medicare card home with Parts A and B. Medicare Part A is free, because during the time they worked they made contributions to Social Security, so most people no longer pay for this part.

Part B, meanwhile, this year of 2023 is going to cost a little lower than last year, as it is going to cost $164.90 per month. But some people when they find out that Medicare Part B has a cost, they delay it.

Can someone just delay it? Well, if you are working and have employer-based health coverage, you can delay this part of Medicare without being hit with a penalty later. However, if you do not have employer-based health coverage, it is best to sign up for this part of Medicare, because if you do not, this office will assess a 10% penalty for each year that you did not have this part. For example, if you did not have Medicare Part B for 2 years your penalty will be 20%, which turns out to be a costly mistake because this penalty is not a one-time payment, it is permanent. Month to month you must pay the cost of Part B plus the 20% penalty.

If someone is already receiving Medicare Part B automatically, Social Security will deduct this monthly premium, but many people are unaware that the State can help them with some programs such as Medicare Savings Programs or even Medicaid. The State may be able to help you pay that Medicare Part B premium if you qualify. This depends on the income of the individual or the income of the couple.

So, if you only have Part A and you have delayed Part B, this is the opportunity for you to apply for this part until March 31. If you do not apply for this part by March 31, you will have to wait for next year in January again and that would mean another 10% penalty.

So, please, if you know someone with this condition, make sure you know this information so they don't keep making this mistake.

In the attached video I explain how to apply for this part on your own from the web page of the Social Security. You should note that Form CMS-40B is the form needed for someone who only has Part A and does not have health coverage with an employer. Just fill it out and take it to the Social Security office.

In the video I also discuss how someone who delayed Part B, received the penalty but did have employer coverage, can do so that they do not pay the penalty but pay the premium in force for this part.

We remind you again, if you make the mistake of delaying Medicare Part B because you don't want to pay that monthly premium, check first to see if you qualify for assistance programs and the State will help you pay for it.

If you have questions or need help with this Medicare Part B application, call us at Avila Medicare Solutions or e-mail us at grace@avilamedicare.com.

Our local number is 512-520-5957 or you can call us on our toll free number which is 855-GO-AVILA. We are here to serve you.