One of the most basic Medicare Questions and one of the easiest to answer…
The initial enrollment period for Medicare is 7 months surrounding your 65th birthday. It includes your birth month, the three months before it and the three months after it. Part B coverage may be delayed if you enroll during or after the month you turn 65, so it’s best to plan on enrolling before your birthday!
Even if you miss enrolling before your birthday, you should make sure you don’t miss the enrollment window completely, as Medicare will impose a late enrollment penalty for enrolling in Part B or D after the window. There are no penalties for enrolling in Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans after the window has closed.
Are you already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits? Congratulations! You’ll be automatically enrolled in both Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail about three months before your birthday.
Medicaid is funded by the federal government but administered by the individual states. If you qualify for Medicaid coverage in your state, it may help pay for some of the costs Medicare doesn’t cover for you.
Many times if you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you’ll automatically be enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program that will pay for your Part B premium as well as give additional assistance.
Medicaid may also help pay for deductibles, copays, and prescriptions.
Are you already receiving Social Security benefits? Then you may qualify for “Extra Help” paying for premiums, deductibles, and co-pays for your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. This program could be worth up to $5,000 per year.
Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) do not cover routine dental or vision care, although it may provide some coverage in some emergency circumstances. While Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans provide the same benefits as Original Medicare, many also include coverage for routine dental and vision, as well as prescription drugs or health and fitness program memberships.
There are many options, though, so “Ask Ali!” and make an appointment to discuss them and decide which is best for you!
There are always those bad actors out there who want to take advantage of the unwary. The most common crime against Medicare recipients is identity theft. Scammers will use your personal information (like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number) without your consent to commit fraud or other crimes.
Medicare cards are mailed directly to you and have a unique number, different from your Social Security number. Do not share either of these numbers with anyone who contacts you by phone, email, or in person unless you’ve given them advance permission to do so.
Medicare plan representatives and agents will only call and ask for personal information if you are already a member of a plan, or if you have called them and left a message.
You should only give your Medicare number to your health care providers, insurers acting on your behalf, or trusted people in your community.
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All calls must be recorded as required by CMS. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.