Do I need to sign up for Medicare part A by the time I turn 65 or am I automatically signed up?
A) Whether or not you need to sign up for Medicare Part A by the time you turn 65 depends on a few factors.
If you have paid into the Medicare system through your work, you may be eligible for premium-free Part A. This means that you will not have to pay any monthly premiums for Part A. You will still need to pay a deductible and coinsurance for some services, but you will not have to pay a monthly premium.
If you are not eligible for premium-free Part A, you will have to pay a monthly premium. The amount of your premium will depend on your income.
You will automatically be enrolled in Part A if you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits at least four months before you turn 65. You will also be automatically enrolled if you have been entitled to disability benefits for at least 24 months.
If you are not automatically enrolled in Part A, you will need to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Your IEP starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65.
If you miss your IEP, you may still be able to sign up for Part A during a Special Enrollment Period. You may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if you have certain life events, such as losing your health insurance or moving to a new area.
To sign up for Part A, you can visit your local Social Security office or file online. You will need to provide your Social Security number and proof of your age. You may also need to provide proof of your citizenship or lawful alien status.
If you are approved for Part A, you will start receiving benefits the first day of the month following the month you enroll.
In general, you are first eligible to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after you turn 65. Your state will automatically sign you up for Medicare (or if you need to sign up). Your Medicaid coverage will change after you’re eligible for Medicare.