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Contact Your Medicare Life Coach Today!
Monday Through Friday | 8 AM - 8 PM (CST) Saturday by appointment only
Medicare Part B is often referred to as medical insurance. Part B covers your doctor and specialist visits, outpatient care, home health services, preventative services, as well as medical procedures when admitted to the hospital.
Initial Enrollment Period – this is a 7-month period that includes:
Special Enrollment Period– if you or a spouse are still working, you may sign up anytime while you have group health coverage or during the 8-month period that begins the month after employment or coverage ends, whichever occurs first.
General Enrollment Period –between January 1 and March 31 each year. Your coverage will start July 1st of that year. The cost of Medicare Part B will go up 10% for each 12-month period that you could have had Medicare Part B but didn’t take it (unless you have other creditable coverage). You will have to pay this late enrollment penalty as long as you have Medicare Part B.
Medicare Part B comes with part A, but you can elect not to receive it if, e.g., you decide to continue working. It is recommended that you speak with your HR department if you or your spouse are currently and enrolled in a group insurance plan. Note to Reader: This is not recommended unless you are certain you have other Creditable Coverage
You can enroll in one of the three ways listed below:
If you already receive benefits from Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), you do not have to sign up. You should automatically receive your Medicare card, it’s white with a red and blue stripe, by your birthday month. Your benefits will begin the first day of the month you turn 65. Note: If your birthday is on the first day of the month, your coverage will begin the first day of the prior month.
If you are disabled, you automatically receive benefits after your 24th month of receiving Social Security disability benefits. Your card will be mailed to you three months prior to your 25th month of disability.
Can I Apply For Both Social Security and Medicare at The Same Time?
Yes, however, electing your Social Security benefits prior to your full retirement age can reduce your overall monthly benefit. You can apply for both or Medicare only. It is best to apply three months before the month you turn 65.
The standard Part B premium for 2023 is $164.90 for those who:
● Will enroll in Part B for the first time in 2023
● Are not collecting Social Security benefits
● Have their Part B premiums paid by Medicaid
Most people will pay the standard Part B monthly premium. However, those with a higher income, above $91,000 (single) or $182,000 (married couple), may pay an Income Related Monthly Adjustment. (IRMAA).
Besides the monthly premium, do I have to pay anything else for Part B?
You pay $226 per year in 2023 for your Part B deductible. After your deductible is met, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for these:
● Most doctor services (including most doctor services while you’re a hospital
inpatient)
● Outpatient therapy
● Durable medical equipment (DME)
After you meet your annual deductible, Medicare will pay for 80% of the Medicare-approved services, leaving you responsible for paying the other 20%. Trusted Senior Specialists will help you enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan that can help with the additional out of pocket expenses.
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