SSI Blog
We created a checklist to help you be prepared for the Medicare enrollment process.
9 to 12 months before you turn 65
Confirm that you are eligible to receive Medicare by calling the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213.
Review your current health insurance policy to find out what happens with that coverage when you turn 65.
Research options for coverage to help protect yourself from costs not covered by Medicare.
4 to 8 months before you turn 65
Become familiar with Medicare and its various parts: A, B, C, and Part D.
Ask your doctor if they accept Medicare or participate in other Medicare plans.
Sign up for coverage to help protect yourself from out-of-pocket expenses with Medicare.
1 to 3 months before you turn 65
Enroll in Medicare – if you do not receive your automatic enrollment information in the mail, contact the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213.
Sign up for Social Security if you have decided to take early Social Security benefits (Note: it usually takes three months after you sign up before you begin receiving benefits).
If your spouse and/or dependent are covered under your employer’s plan, make arrangements for him or her to have coverage after you have Medicare.
Happy 65th Birthday!
If you have not received your Medicare card in the mail, call the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213.
Make sure your physician’s office has a copy of your Medicare Card and any supplement plan you may have signed up for.
References:
https://www.medicare.gov
MUC25-2016-BCBS
SSI Blog
Enrolling in a Part C or D plan outside your Initial Enrollment period involves using a Special Enrollment. Under certain qualifying events, you may be eligible for this unique enrollment.
Qualifying Events:
Loss of Coverage
Loss of coverage from employer or family member, or expect to in the next 60 days.
Medicare terminates your plan’s contract.
Household Size
Events like marriage, a new baby, adoption, divorce, or death.
Residence Status
Move to a new address that isn’t in your current plan’s service area or have coverage options available at your new residence. Moving in or out of a skilled nursing facility or long-term care facility. Becoming a U.S. citizen.
5-Star Plans
Medicare rates plan for quality and performance using a star system from 1 to 5, with 5 considered excellent. Customer satisfaction surveys and information from healthcare providers. Updates are made annually giving customers reliable information about plans they are considering. You may switch to a 5-star Part C or Part D plan if available in your area. You may only use this once from December 8 – November 30.
References:
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/when-can-i-join-a-health-or-drug-plan/special-circumstances/join-plan-special-circumstances.html
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/when-can-i-join-a-health-or-drug-plan/five-star-enrollment/5-star-enrollment-period.html
MUC8-2016-BCBS
SSI Blog
Often, seniors choose to enroll in Medicare when they are first eligible, at age 65, during their Initial Enrollment Period. Working seniors often delay enrollment until retirement, preferring to rely on health coverage offered through work or spouse coverage.
Part A
As long as you receive Social Security benefits, Medicare Part A is free, and there are no restrictions on when you can sign up. While many seniors enroll during Initial Enrollment, if you didn’t, that’s okay. You can enroll anytime during or after your Initial Enrollment period without penalty.
Part B
If you’re over 65 without Part B coverage when you retire and your employer-provided benefits come to an end, you may be entitled to a Special Enrollment Period, an 8-month period of time to join without paying a penalty. This starts at the end of the month you stop working or lose employer insurance, whichever comes first. To be eligible for a Special Enrollment, your company must have at least 20 employees. If they do not, then you will need to enroll during General Enrollment. And you may pay an increased premium, and a lifetime late enrollment penalty for each 12 months you were eligible.
Retiring, Spouse Is Not
If you didn’t sign up for Part B because you had group coverage from an employer, that’s okay. Now that you are planning to retire, the same Special Enrollment applies and both you and your spouse will have a full 8 months without paying a penalty. If you retire but will be gaining group insurance coverage from your spouse, then you will still be covered under what Medicare defines as current employment and you do not need the coverage. Medicare does not classify COBRA and retiree benefits as current employment, and you will not be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. If you are planning on taking retiree coverage from a former employer, you should enroll in Medicare.
References:
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/get-parts-a-and-b/when-sign-up-parts-a-and-b/when-sign-up-parts-a-and-b.html
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/get-parts-a-and-b/special-conditions/special-conditions.html
https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Find-Your-Provider-Type/Employers-and-Unions/FS4-Medicare-for-people-over-65-nearing-retirment.pdf page 2, 3, 4
MUC47-2017-BCBS
SSI Blog
If you’re looking to enroll in Medicare, understand your specific enrollment periods and avoid missing your deadline and possibly a penalty.
Initial Enrollment
For those who are turning 65 7 months to enroll is called the Initial Enrollment Period. This period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after you turn 65.
General Enrollment
For those who miss the Initial Enrollment, there is a General Enrollment, which extends from January 1st through March 31st each year. Enrollment begins on January 1st for coverage that begins on July 1st.
Open Enrollment
Changes can be made during open enrollment to change from a Part C to a Medicare Plus or switch from one Part D plan to another. This period is from January 1st to March 31st. Plan changes take effect the month after it is submitted.
Annual Enrollment
Medicare realizes that sometimes people want to make changes. Annual Enrollment is available from October 15th through December 7th.
Special Enrollment
Special Enrollment is available for people to enroll who are undergoing special life events or circumstances that make it difficult during designated periods.
References:
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/get-parts-a-and-b/when-sign-up-parts-a-and-b/when-sign-up-parts-a-and-b.html
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/get-parts-a-and-b/when-how-to-sign-up-for-part-a-and-part-b.html
MUC10-2016-SSI/CDIS
SSI Blog
We think you will like the people at Senior Services of Illinois and you’ll quickly realize we are here to help. Putting the customer first is of paramount importance to us. We are committed to maximizing the consumer experience and setting a standard of integrity in every detail of the commitment.
Caring and Consistent Team
We strive to be a calming, trusted advisor in this confusing world of insurance. Our team consists of highly knowledgeable, experienced, and licensed individuals. We are committed to understanding your individual needs and it is our goal to keep you satisfied and retain you as our client. Our team of Agents and Customer Service Advocates receive continual education, and training and are kept up to date with the ever-changing health insurance.
When you become our Client
We are the liaison between you and the insurance company.
One number for all your customer service needs.
Our Customer Service Advocates work with your best interest in mind.
Personal service- Our expertise is based on well-trained staff that can tailor a comprehensive experience to your specific needs.
Insurance is explained to you in an easy-to-understand manner.
Assistance, education, and follow-through in every situation.
Bilingual – Spanish assistance is available.
Whether you have a question about your benefits, plan changes, or any customer service issues, our team is here to handle your inquiries in a caring, professional, and timely fashion. We go above and beyond the usual insurance agency. Give us a call at 855-740-2227 and we’ll be happy to help!
MUC42-2017-BCBS
