Helping Your Parents Enroll in Medicare
Turning 65 is a big milestone! For many, it means starting Medicare. But understanding Medicare can be tricky. Some older adults need help with their choices. They might need support with deadlines or understanding costs. Others may need help signing up online or at a Social Security office.
Automatic Medicare Enrollment
Many people get Medicare Part A automatically when they turn 65. This often happens if they already get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. If your parents are automatically enrolled, they’ll get their Medicare card and welcome packet around their 65th birthday.
What if your parents don’t get these benefits? They won’t be automatically enrolled. But there are still ways to help them sign up. The fastest way is usually through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
Signing Up for Medicare Online
Medicare has different parts. You can help your parents pick the parts that will help them most.
Original Medicare includes two parts:
- Part A helps pay for hospital stays.
- Part B helps pay for doctor visits and outpatient care.
If your parents choose Original Medicare, they can also add a Part D plan. This plan helps pay for prescription drugs they take at home.
The SSA website guides you through signing up for Original Medicare online. Make sure to have your parent’s Social Security card or number ready. You’ll need it to enroll.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans
Medicare Advantage plans combine the benefits of Original Medicare. They often include prescription drug coverage too. Many also offer extra benefits like fitness programs, vision, or dental care.
Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans. This means plans can differ based on the company and where your parents live.
If your parent is thinking about a Medicare Advantage plan, use Medicare’s plan finder tool. This tool helps you look up plans in their area.
Enrolling in Medicare by Phone or In Person
Some people prefer to enroll in Medicare by phone or in person. You can go with your parents to a local SSA office. The SSA website has a tool to find the closest office.
To enroll a parent by phone, call 800-772-1213. Tell them you want to register your parents for Medicare Part A, Part B, or both.
When Can Parents Enroll in Medicare?
There are a few different times when your parents can sign up for Medicare. It’s important they enroll as soon as they can. This helps them avoid late enrollment penalties.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Medicare’s IEP lasts for 7 months. This is when your parents can sign up right before they turn 65.
The IEP starts 3 months before your parent’s 65th birthday. It includes their birth month. It ends 3 months after their birthday. Signing up during this time helps ensure they get the best coverage. It also helps avoid late penalties.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
If your parents already have a Medicare Advantage plan, the MA OEP runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. During this time, they can:
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
Medicare’s OEP is also called the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). It runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. During the OEP, your parents can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
- Add or remove a Part D prescription drug plan.
- Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
Getting Medicare Enrollment Advice
Do you and your parents need help choosing a Medicare plan? Or do you have general enrollment questions? You can contact Ashford Insurance.
Key Takeaways for Medicare Enrollment
Helping your parents with Medicare enrollment can feel like a big task. But breaking it down makes it easier. Remember these key points:
- If your parents don’t get Medicare automatically, they can sign up online, by phone, or in person.
- For Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements, call Ashford Insurance.
- Help your parents enroll as soon as they can to avoid late penalties.
Understanding Medicare now can lead to peace of mind later. At Ashford Insurance, we’re here to help you and your parents navigate these choices. Our team can answer your questions and help find the right plan for their needs. Call Ashford Insurance today to learn more and get personalized support.
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