Tweedy Insurance Group

It’s pretty common knowledge that when you turn 65 you become eligible for Medicare. However, it’s not always easy to figure out how you get everything in order to begin receiving benefits. So let’s take a quick look at what that process entails.

Eligibility. One of the first things you need to know is when you are eligible for Medicare. Assuming that you are going on to Medicare due to age and not disability, your Medicare benefits will begin on the first day of your birth month. Therefore, if you were born on June 18th, your Medicare will begin June 1st. If you were born on the first of the month, however, your benefits will begin on the first of the preceding month. For example, if you were born on June 1st, your Medicare benefits will begin on May 1st.
Part A/B?. Medicare has two parts (Part A and Part B), and you must sign up for both if you want to receive full Medicare benefits. In certain cases, such as coverage by an employer, you may wish to delay your Part B benefits. If you are considering delaying your Part B coverage, be sure to obtain counsel from your employer or from an insurance professional. If you delay your Part B benefits by mistake, it can be a very challenging error to correct; and in some cases it can mean that you will be without Part B for one year.
- Note: Part A has been paid-up by your Medicare taxes over your working lifetime. Part B, however, charges a monthly premium. If you are, or will be, drawing Social Security retirement when your Part B benefit begins, your Part B monthly premium will be automatically withheld from your check. If you are not drawing Social Security when you begin Part B, Social Security will bill you quarterly for this premium. For a chart detailing the Part B premium, click here.
Apply. Once you know your entitlement date and whether or not you want Part A only or both Part A and Part B, it is time to apply for benefits. This is done through Social Security in any of three ways.
- Online. This can be pretty easy if you are tech-savvy. The website is: https://secure.ssa.gov/iCLM/rib
- By Phone. You can also call and complete the process over the phone by calling: 800-772-1213, or for TTY users: 800-325-0778.
- In Person. This can be the easiest way if you live near a local office. For a list of offices click here: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
Confirmation. After completing your application, you will receive a confirmation letter from Social Security. Hang on to this letter as it may save your bacon should something go wrong.
ID Card. When everything has processed, you will receive your Medicare ID card in the mail.

The above, of course, is the norm. But we all know that sometimes we find ourselves outside the norm. If you have a unique set of circumstances and would like some advice, please feel free to call or email us anytime at 800-817-9223 or info@tweedyinsurancegroup.com.