Most people have heard of Medicare, but not everyone fully understands it. Medicare is coverage for persons over the age of 65 and for those with disabilities. Some people who are eligible for coverage aren’t completely sure of their coverages and their rights.
People meeting certain criteria are automatically enrolled in Medicare. Well, they’re automatically enrolled in certain portions of Medicare. Other portions require that they enroll themselves to be covered.
Who Is Auto Enrolled in Medicare?
The Social Security Administration automatically enrolls some people in Medicare coverage, while others are not. If you live in the United States and collect Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare when you become eligible at age 65. You will receive information from Medicare a few months before your 65th birthday outlining your benefits.
Your automatic enrollment will be for Parts A and B. Part A is required. If you’ve been on Social Security Disability and choose to decline Part A, you will be required to repay all of the Social Security cash benefits you’ve received and withdraw your original application for disability.
Those people receiving Railroad Retirement Benefits also automatically get enrolled in Medicare. They become eligible in the 25th month after they begin receiving Railroad Retirement Benefits. Those receiving Social Security will also start receiving Medicare in the 25th month after Social Security Disability Benefits begin.
Can You Opt-Out of Medicare Coverage
Part A, which is hospital coverage, is mandatory. However, you can opt-out of Part B. Those who opt out of Part B coverages may be required to pay a penalty if they opt to accept coverage at a later date.
Those who aren’t collecting Social Security or who don’t qualify for Social Security Retirement will not be automatically enrolled in Medicare. People who reside in Puerto Rico or who live in foreign countries and already have Part A will need to enroll in Part B. These people must enroll by contacting Social Security.
If you are still working beyond age 65 and your employer provides an insurance plan for you, you have the option to opt-out of Medicare coverage. If you delay enrollment, you may receive penalties or additional costs when you do enroll later.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve reached age 65 and are receiving Social Security Retirement or are already on Social Security Disability, you are eligible for automatic enrollment in Medicare. It’s an option to refuse Part B coverages, but you risk penalties if you do so.
Let the Medicare Specialists at Ahlbum Insurance Group help you with navigating through the different Medicare Plans and Supplemental Plans!
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