Automatic Enrollment?

Am I Automatically Enrolled in Medicare at age 65?

I sometimes get a call from someone asking to meet regarding Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans, only to find out that they have not yet received their Medicare card.  To their surprise, they are not scheduled to be enrolled into Medicare at all.

Some people are automatically enrolled, and some are not.  Here is an easy guide to help you.

You WILL BE automatically enrolled into Medicare if:

1. You are currently receiving Social Security or
2. You are currently receiving Railroad Retirement Board benefits.

You’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail.

You WILL NOT BE automatically enrolled into Medicare if you are not already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.

Well, that was easy.  Remember this: Medicare may not notify you about your eligibility.  Do this and do it three months before your 65^th birthday:

1. Go to the Social Security website at SSA.GOV
2. Scroll all the way down to MEDICARE which is under BENEFITS
3. You should be at: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/
4. Now scroll down to: APPLY FOR Medicare ONLY

Remember to start the process three months before you expect to start Medicare.  That way your coverage will begin as soon as you’re eligible. If you sign up during your 65th birthday month or later, your coverage start date could be delayed.

I hope that this helps.  If you live in Florida, Georgia, New York or South Carolina, I would love to be your Medicare Health Plan Agent.

Thanks for stopping by,
Jack McGlynn