Social Security & Medicare Questions: How Do You Enroll In Medicare Past The Age of 65?

Answered by Mary Johnson, editor of The Advisor

Q:  My husband didn't get Medicare when he turned 65.  He is now 78 and applied for Medicare last March and again in May of 2000.  To date he has not been put on.  Is there someone he can contact at the local Social Security Administration or is there something else we can do?  -- VS, South Bend, IN

A:  If your husband did not take Medicare Part B when he first became eligible for Medicare at age 65 during his Initial Enrollment Period, he needs to sign up during a General Enrollment Period.  This period is from January 1 through March 31 of each year.  He can sign up at your local Social Security office.  If your husband enrolled in March of 2000, his coverage should have started July 1 of 2000.

The cost of Part B Medicare is likely to be higher for delayed enrollment.  The premiums go up 10% for each 12-month period that he delayed except in certain cases.  If your husband worked after retiring and received health insurance coverage through his employer he did not have to sign up for and pay for Medicare Part B coverage during the age 65 Initial Enrollment Period.  If the following circumstances apply he will have a Special Enrollment Period that gives him another chance to sign up for Part B later:

• If he still is covered by the employer or union group health plan, or
• Within 8 months of the date when his employer or union group plan coverage ends, or when his employment ends (whichever is first).

I suggest you call your Area Agency on Aging and ask about your state's Health Insurance Assistance Program.  The service is free and an insurance counselor can provide you with information about Medicare, Medigap supplements and Medicaid programs in your area.  The specially trained volunteers can help you wade through the confusing language of government and private insurance and help you resolve questions about payments and claims.  Area Agencies on Aging are non-profit organizations that cover all communities in the United States.  You can reach your local agency by checking your phone book or calling the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116. Or go to http://www.eldercare.gov. 

To read more Social Security and Medicare questions and answers, click here: http://www.tscl.org/MedicareandHealthQA.asp.

November 2001

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