Medicare Application/Overview
Applying for Medicare can be a confusing and overwhelming process—but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we put together this guide to shed light on the process and help put you on the correct path. But first, let’s start with the basics.
Need help applying for Medicare? Want to know if you qualify?
What is Medicare and how do I know if I qualify?
Medicare is a health insurance system which is run and provided by the United States government. There are four different parts of Medicare. Parts A and B are the original forms of Medicare, and Parts C and D were added later. Once you turn 65 or are entitled to disability benefits for 24 months you’ll automatically be entitled to Parts A and B, which are the parts we’ll focus on here.
You can apply for Original Medicare Parts A & B once you’re 64 years and 9 months of age or older. These parts provide coverage for hospital and medical expenses, but you will still be responsible for some costs, which you’ll have to pay either out-of-pocket or by utilizing supplemental insurance.
How To Apply
Applying for Medicare is a reasonably quick affair–especially when done online. It should take less than an hour, and within 30 days of completing your application you should receive your insurance card. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you apply. If you have already been receiving Social Security benefits, either retirement or disability, then you’ll automatically be enrolled into Medicare and shouldn’t have to submit an application.
Other things to consider
Those younger than 65 and approved for Social Security Disability benefits will be automatically enrolled in Medicare after 29 months from when their disability began. There are also exceptions to this rule, where people suffering from permanent kidney failure or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) would qualify sooner.
We understand that this is a lot to take in, so if you need help parsing through all of this information you should feel free to contact us. You can also learn more about each of the parts of Medicare at www.ssa.gov and at www.medicare.gov.
Aevo Insurance Services, LLC
Whether you have recently been awarded Social Security Disability benefits, are currently uninsured, or have coverage through an employer or government plan, the licensed Medicare specialists at Aevo Insurance Services, a subsidiary of The Advocator Group, are here to support you in making the proper financial decisions as you transition onto the Medicare program.
Need help applying for SSDI?
Brown & Brown can help you better understand and take advantage of the many benefits of Social Security Disability, to help maximize your financial well-being during your period of disability.