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Applying for Medicare

Medicare Made Easy

Applying for Medicare

If you are receiving Social Security benefits before turning 65, you should automatically receive notification of your enrollment in Medicare shortly before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of disability. Other individuals must apply by calling or visiting their Social Security office to receive Medicare. If you are not yet receiving Social Security or if you have not received a Medicare enrollment notice, you should contact the nearest Social Security office for information. Applications for Medicare can be made during a seven-month period beginning three months prior to the month of your 65th birthday.

It is best to apply during the three months prior to the month of your 65th birthday. If an application is made during that time, your coverage will begin on the first day of your birth month. Applying later will delay the start of your benefits. You may also apply for Medicare during the General Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31 every year after your 65th birthday. Your coverage then starts July 1 of the year you signed up and you will pay a 10 percent surcharge on the Part B premium for every 12 months you were eligible but not enrolled. If you have limited income and resources, your state may help you pay for Part A, and/or Part B. You may also qualify for Extra Help to pay for your Medicare prescription drug coverage.

If you continue to work after age 65 or your spouse is working and you are covered by an employer group health plan (EGHP), you may want to delay enrollment in Part B of Medicare. Enrolling in Medicare Part B will trigger your open enrollment for Medicare supplement insurance at a time when you do not need supplemental coverage. The penalty for late enrollment in Part B does not apply if you are covered by an EGHP because of your or your spouse’s current employment. 

If you do work after age 65, you may apply for Medicare Part B at any time prior to retirement, but you must apply no later than eight months (the Special Enrollment Period) after your formal retirement in order to avoid paying a premium penalty. Even if your employer offers a retirement health plan, you will want to sign up for Medicare Part A and probably for Medicare Part B when you retire. Most retirement plans assume you are covered under Medicare and will not pay for services that Medicare would have covered. Veterans may be eligible for special medical programs. However, eligibility and benefits are very restrictive and are subject to change. The Department of Veterans Affairs advises veterans to apply for both Parts A and B of Medicare to ensure adequate medical coverage.

If you have delayed your Medicare Part B have your employer fill out a CMS L564 Request For Employment Information form for you to submit with your Part B application CMS 40B Application For Enrollment In Medicare Part B.

If you need help applying for Medicare Ashford Insurance can assist you. Call today at 817-952-3153.

Need help? Call us for an appointment at (817) 952-3153

Ashford Insurance is an independent health insurance agency specializing in Texas Medicare insurance and has been helping seniors since 2005.  Ashford Insurance is here to help you understand Medicare and health insurance in simple, plain terms that anyone can grasp.  We specialize in assisting folks who are Medicare eligible to learn about the coverage options available through the Medicare Health Insurance Program. 

Ashford Insurance Agents

Our Products

Here is a partial list of the products offered by Ashford Insurance

Medigap Insurance

Medicare Supplements

Dual Medicare Plans

Got Medicare & Medicaid?

Chronic Needs

Special Need Plans

Prescriptions

Prescription Drug coverage

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance Plans

Life Insurance

Life Insurance Plans

Funeral Insurance

Burial Insurance

Short Term Medical

Temporary Insurance Coverage

Health Insurance

ACA FFM Exchange

Notary Services

Notary Public

Contact Form

(817) 952-3153

M-T 9:00 – 4:00
F 9:00- 12:00

Weekends & Evenings by Appointment

Address

 1245 Southridge Court Suite 101, Hurst, TX, 76053

* A licensed sales agent may call or e-mail as a result of completing the information to discuss Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug Plans or Medicare Supplement Insurance.

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