Did you miss enrollment in Medicare at age 65? Here is what you can do now
When it comes to enrolling in Medicare, timing really matters. If you miss an enrollment period, you may lose your option to enroll in a plan, plus face hefty penalties if you want to do so at a later time.
So let’s look at what happens if you missed a deadline:
Did you miss enrollment in Medicare at age 65?
Most people became first eligible for Medicare when they turn 65, or earlier due to certain disabilities. If you or your spouse are still working, your Medicare enrollment can be delayed until the time after you stop working.
During this open enrollment period, you can also enroll in a Medigap policy (Medicare supplement plan), and insurance providers cannot deny you coverage, or place conditions on your policy, such as a waiting time because of past or present health issues.
If you missed enrolling in Medicare at first, you have another chance to do so each year during the Annual General Enrollment period for Medicare.
The General Enrollment period was created for individuals who did not enroll in Medicare Part B during their 7-month initial enrollment period, when they first became eligible. It is each year from January 1 through March 31. During this time, you may enroll into Part B, if you did not do so before, or had canceled it. Your coverage will start the first day of the month after you sign up.
Attention: There is a penalty for each year that you missed having Part B while you were eligible, and you will need to pay an additional 10% premium for as long as you stay enrolled.
If you decide to enroll in a supplemental plan after your initial enrollment period has ended, (with specific exceptions defined as “Medigap Protection”) you won’t have a right under Federal Law to do so. However, insurers may consider your application, but most likely will use medical underwriting.
Visit medicare.gov to get detailed and current information about your Medicare eligibility and enrollment options, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or TTY 1-877-486-2048.
