Did you previously decline Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period because you had employer health plan coverage or another reason? Learn when and how to apply to receive Medicare Part B.
Original Medicare is the most basic coverage offered by the government. Original Medicare coverage includes Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance).
Here are the four ways to apply for Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A & B) through the Social Security Administration.
Enrolled in Medicare Part A? Skip below to “Already Enrolled in Medicare Part A.”
Choose the most convenient method for you:
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Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of experienceYou can still sign up if you’re already enrolled in Medicare Part A but previously refused Medicare Part B. You can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, the General Enrollment Period, or a Special Enrollment Period – if you qualify. The timing depends on why you initially declined to enroll in Medicare Part B.
Read the three scenarios below to learn your next steps. If you need help, call and speak with a local licensed Connie Health agent at (623) 223-8884.
If you’re in your Initial Enrollment Period and enrolled in Medicare Part A but previously declined Medicare Part B, there is still time to enroll. Your Initial Enrollment Period is seven months long: three months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, and three months after you turn 65.
Unsure about when your Initial Enrollment Period is? Call and speak with a local licensed Connie Health agent who can help. Call (623) 223-8884 and have an agent walk you through your Medicare enrollment.
If you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and want to enroll in Part B, please complete the CMS-40B Application for Enrollment in Medicare – Part B (medical insurance). Send your application to your local Social Security Office.
If you need help locating your local field office, call (623) 223-8884 and speak with a local licensed Connie Health agent. An agent can help you ensure you’re completing the correct documents and submitting them to the right office.
Read more below in Next Steps.
You didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period for some reason other than because you had health plan coverage, but now want Part B? You may sign up for Part B during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31 of each year).
If you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and want to enroll in Part B, please complete the CMS-40B Application for Enrollment in Medicare – Part B (medical insurance). Send your application to your local Social Security Office.
Unsure if this document is correct for you to complete and where your local field office is? Call (623) 223-8884 and speak with a local licensed Connie Health agent. An agent can help you ensure you’re completing the correct documents and submitting them to the right office.
Read more below in Next Steps.
Did you refuse Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period because you had group health plan coverage through your or your spouse’s employment? Did you recently lose that coverage? You may sign up during your eight-month Special Enrollment Period directly after you lose employer health coverage.
You can use one of the following options to submit your enrollment request under the eight-month Special Enrollment Period:
When completing the forms CMS-40B and CMS-L564. State “I want Part B coverage to begin (MM/YY)” in the remarks section of the CMS-40B form or online application. If possible, your employer should complete Section B.
Need help completing your documents correctly and gathering the proper secondary evidence? Call (623) 223-8884 and speak with a local licensed Connie Health agent. An agent can help you navigate enrolling in Medicare Part B for the first time and ensure that you don’t incur late enrollment penalties.
If your employer is unable to complete Section B, please complete that portion as best as you can on behalf of your employer without your employer’s signature and submit one of the following forms of secondary evidence:
Free, unbiased serviceCompare all major plans and carriers Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of experienceOnce your Medicare Part B application is processed, you will receive a notification letter informing you of whether your application was approved.
If you haven’t received a response in 45 days, you can check the status of your application. There are four ways to do that. Choose the one most convenient for you:
Gather the names of your current doctors, specialists, and the prescription medications you take. This information will allow Connie Health to tell you which plans have your doctors in their network and cover your prescription medications. It will also enable us to provide cost-sharing information and an estimated monthly and annual cost for each of your prescriptions.
You’ll also want to consider whether additional benefits are essential to you. Do you want coverage for hearing aids, glasses or contacts, and dental? Or do you need coverage for over-the-counter and wellness products, transportation assistance, telemedicine, or a fitness program? Sharing how vital these extra benefits are to you will allow Connie Health to show you plans that meet your needs.
Comparing your plan options will give you the confidence to know you’ve made the right choice for your health needs and budget. It’s easy to compare plans in your area. Click to compare Medicare plans. Or call (623) 223-8884 to speak with a local licensed Connie Health agent.
A local licensed Connie Health agent can help you get more coverage from a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C), a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D), or a Medicare Supplemental insurance plan (Medigap policy).
To enroll, your local licensed Connie Health agent can meet you at your home or other location, over video, or phone. Whichever method is most convenient for you.
They’ll discuss your current doctors and specialists, hospital networks, medications, health needs, and budget. Based on this, they’ll help you sort through your plan options to find the best fit for your health and budget. Call (623) 223-8884 to schedule a free, no-obligation Medicare coverage review with a local licensed Connie Health agent.
Connie Health will help you sort through your options today, but that choice isn’t permanent. Isn’t that a relief? Your health needs or budget may change during the year, and we’re here to support you.
It’s essential to do an annual plan review during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period between October 15 and December 7 every year. Still, it’s also vital to know when you could be eligible to make changes. If you move, lose coverage, your plan changes its contract with Medicare, or other situations allow for a Special Enrollment Period. If your health or budget needs ever change – or you move – call your local licensed Connie Health agent to see if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
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Read more by David Luna
I am a Spanish-speaking Arizona Life and Health Insurance Licensed Agent and have been helping people with Medicare since 2005. I am a Marine Corps Veteran & former police officer. I enjoy watching football and basketball but hold family time in the highest regard.
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