Medicare is a four-part government health insurance program designed to provide healthcare payment assistant to senior citizens. Medicare Part B is the portion that offers supplemental payments for doctor's visits and other health-related services. To be eligible, you must be 65 years or older and a U.S. citizen or a legally admitted individual with more than five years of residency. Individuals with disabilities, permanent kidney failure and certain other severe disorders may be eligible for Medicare B earlier.
Instructions
1. Understand that you must be eligible for Medicare Part A before you can enroll in Medicare B. To be eligible, you must meet the criteria listed above.
2. Know that there is a seven-month initial enrollment time frame for Medicare B. This period begins three months before you are eligible for Medicare (typically three months before you turn 65). Following the month of your birthday, you then have three more months before your initial enrollment period expires.
3. If you are currently receiving Social Security benefits, then understand that a Medicare representative will call you around the beginning of your eligibility period. The representative will walk you through the enrollment process.
4. If you do not currently receive retirement benefits, then you need to contact the Social Security department and request enrollment. To avoid a delay in coverage, you should do so three months prior to your initial eligibility.
5. Contact the Social Security department. This can be done by going directly to your local Social Security branch office. You can also contact them toll-free at (800) 772-1213. The majority of individuals can also enroll online at the Social Security Administration website.
6. Ask for Medicare B. During the enrollment process, be sure to tell the representative that you are interested in Medicare Part B. Because a premium is required for this portion of Medicare, it is optional. The representative should be able to quote you a monthly premium and help answer any additional questions that you may have.
7. Acquire your Medicare B card. The government will mail you a Medicare card one to after enrollment. This card serves as your insurance card and should be presented at doctor's visits and other medical facilities.
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