There are two groups of people who are eligible to receive Medicare benefits. The first consists of Americans and permanent residents who have paid into the program for at least ten years and are over the age of 65. The second group is made up of individuals who are younger than 65, but have certain disabilities and illnesses. There has been a lot of publicity about the complexities of signing up for the program in recent years.
However, Medicare enrollment is easy and in many cases people are signed up automatically. This is generally true for those people who are getting ready to turn 65 and who are receiving Social Security checks. The Medicare ID card will arrive in the mail approximately three months before their birthday. Benefits are automatically activated on the first day of their birth month.
For those not already receiving Social Security checks, they must contact the Social Security Administration. This is the department that handles the enrollment. To ensure benefits start on time, it should be done at least three months before the 65th birthday. Medicare enrollment for those under the age of 65 is possible if they have certain diseases or illnesses such as Lou Gehrig's Disease or kidney failure.
If an individual suffers from Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS), they are usually enrolled automatically when they begin receiving their Social Security Disability benefits. There is no waiting period needed. For those who are suffering from kidney failure, they must have end-stage renal disease and require a transplant or dialysis. Medicare benefits can be received three months after dialysis has started.
Contact with the Social Security Administration must be made for Medicare enrollment. It is not done automatically. For other disabilities, Medicare benefits can begin two years after Social Security benefits are approved. Generally speaking, Medicare limits the ability to add or drop coverage options after specific enrollment periods.
It is best for Medicare enrollment to take place during the initial enrollment period. During this time, qualified individuals can sign up for any coverage they want. Once enrollment is complete and plan options have been made, there are specific periods throughout the year when changes can be made.
In some programs, such as Medicare Part B, there are penalties for those who do not sign up during the initial enrollment period. This means that a higher monthly fee will be required if they sign up later.