Medicare has moved into the modern age with an improved website and even a *gasp* online application. The online application works perfectly for those who turn 65 and are signing up for coverage during open enrollment. We have a link to the Medicare application on our main Medicare page.
Didn’t Sign Up For Medicare Part B When 65?
Not everyone signs up for Medicare Part B when they turn 65. Some seniors forget to sign up during open enrollment and sign up late. Additionally, there is a very large contingent of people who are playing by the rules and not signing up for Medicare Part B because they don’t need the coverage yet. They have chosen to stay with job-based insurance.
Part B App Not Working?
If you are over 65, however, the online Part B application may not work for you. A few clients, who are over 70 years old, have reported that they were unable to sign up for Medicare Part B online. Instead they received an error message, time and time again.
Medicare App Solution: Paper
After some investigation, we learned that those that are not signing up during open enrollment cannot do so online. It requires a paper application and evidence of previous coverage if you are hoping to avoid a Part B late enrollment penalty.
First Eligible for Part B, Now What?
You may be first eligible for Medicare Part B at 70, like we said above. If this is the case, you are newly eligible for other benefits, as well.
For instance, you can choose to replace both your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage in exchange for a Medicare Advantage plan with a smaller, local network of doctors and hospitals, a cap on out of pocket spending (Original Medicare does not put on max on your out of pocket costs), and extras like prescription drug coverage, dental and vision.
Or you may choose to supplement your Original Medicare with a Medigap plan that can cover your Medicare deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, as well as extras like extended hospital stays, foreign emergency health care, and covers your first three pints of blood.
For assistance with your paper application or for questions with your Medicare options call the number above.