Introduction
Medicare as we know it consists of two parts, Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital fees and care. Medicare Part B covers outpatient coverage for various medical services and doctor appointments. This coverage is available for preventive care (like annual checkups) and necessary care (like emergency visits).
Medicare is an accessible health insurance option for patients age 65 and over. Medicare is also offered to people under 65 who qualify. To qualify for Medicare if you are under the age of 65, you must:
- Have a diagnosis of ALS or ESRD
- Have received Social Security Disability checks for at least 24 months
Before you apply for Medicare, make sure you meet the qualifications. If you’ve applied for Medicare, you are probably anxious to be approved so that you can utilize these important benefits. Keep reading to find out how long it takes to be approved for Medicare coverage.
Applying for Medicare
Those who are collecting Social Security benefits when they turn 65 will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. If you are on Social Security benefits and approaching the age of 65, you can expect to receive your Medicare card one to three months before your 65th birthday.
If you are not collecting Social Security benefits, you can still be covered by Medicare once you reach 65 years old. However, you will need to enroll yourself.
How Long Will It Take to Be Approved for Medicare?
When applying for Medicare, your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after you have turned 65. If you were not automatically enrolled in Medicare, you will have to apply. You should apply during your Initial Enrollment Period if you do not have creditable coverage to avoid any future penalties.
After you have applied, it can take 30-60 days to be approved. If you were auto-enrolled, coverages will start when you turn 65.
Bottom Line
Applying for Medicare can seem intimidating, but the process is quite easy. Medicare helps you keep up with medical costs and makes sure you are covered. Once you’ve applied for Medicare benefits, you can expect to be approved within 30 to 60 days. If you are auto-enrolled, you will be able to use your benefits once you reach the age of 65.
The post How Long Is the Approval Process Once I Apply for Medicare? appeared first on Ahlbum Insurance Group.
