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Medicare enrollment is definitely something very important to the lives of people turning 65.
As we know, Medicare is the state health program for people starting at age 65 and it is definitely important to act at least three months before your birthday month.
If you, whether or not you are working, are receiving Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. In this case, you do not need to do anything to enroll and you will be receiving your Medicare card in the mail at least three months before your birthday month. But if you are not receiving Medicare benefits, you definitely need to do a manual enrollment. This enrollment, although it may seem a little confusing, is not done directly with the Medicare office, but with the Social Security office. You can do it over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213You can search online for "Social Security office near..." and enter your area code and a local office near you will appear. Another option is to go to the Page Social Security (www.ssa.gov). There you have the option to sign up for Medicare only and you can sign up for Part A and Part B, or only Part A if you plan to delay Part B because you have health coverage with your employer.
If you are not receiving Social Security benefits, you need to take action and enroll at least three months before your birthday month so that your coverage will not be delayed and will begin on the first of your birthday month, regardless of what day of the month your birthday is.
If you wait until the month of your birthday to enroll, your coverage would begin the first of the following month. If you sign up the month after your birthday, your coverage would begin two months later. If you enroll two months after your birthday, your coverage begins three months later. And if you miss that window, you must wait for the Medicare Open Enrollment period to sign up for these parts. That's why it's extremely important that you do it on time to avoid delays or penalties. If you can't do it online or over the phone and want to make the process easier, work hand-in-hand, from start to finish, with an independent agent.
This independent agent will help you with the enrollment process, education, explain how Medicare works, what to expect from Part A, Part B and what your plan options are.
If you don't have an independent agent, call us at Avila Medicare Solutions, we are here to help you understand your options, so you can make an educated decision.
If you know someone or you are about to go on Medicare, or if you have Medicare and would like to do a free plan review, we will be happy to help you.
Our local number is 512-520-5957 or you can call us on our toll free number which is 855-GO-AVILA.