Enrolling in Medicare Part B the Wrong Way is Stressful!
Hello, Toni:
My husband retired several years ago when he turned 65. He enrolled in Medicare Part A but declined Part B because I put him on my Blue Cross Blue Shield policy provided by my employer. Lately I have read articles concerning failure to enroll in Medicare Part B and the additional cost each year that you delay enrollment.
I have planned to keep my husband on my policy until my retirement in 3 years when I turn 65. The coverage and cost are better than Part B or any additional supplement on the market. I spoke with a representative at the Social Security office and asked them if he would be penalized for delaying enrollment in Part B. They said he would not as long as he provides evidence that he has maintained health insurance.
This information seems counter to what I have been reading or what friends are telling me at church. Help Toni! I am very confused. Shirley from West U area
Shirley:
Social Security gave you excellent advice about your husband’s Medicare. Many times, in the past, I have written about the famous “Special Enrollment Period” form called CMS-L564- “Request for Employment Information” that needs to have “Special Enrollment Period” written at the top in red. You will need to have the CMS-L564 form signed by your HR when you leave your company benefits to avoid the Medicare Part B penalty.
When enrolling in Medicare Part B the signed form must be sent by fax or mailed with a return signature card for your protection to the local Social Security office. Remember, to always make copies of what you send to government agencies.
Shirley, you must have this form signed when one is past 65, whether you leave for a new job or simply retire. This is necessary! The CMS-L564 forms from all employment past 65 must be sent to the Social Security office.
Last week, I had a Toni Says® Medicare column reader that visited the Toni Says® office for a Medicare consultation due to the wife retiring. The husband had already enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and they are now experiencing the pain and agony of trying to enroll in a Medicare Supplement/Medigap as the husband must answer health questions.
The husband that is 76 with spousal company benefits had enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B in 2015 when he retired. The wife who qualified for the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment (6-month enrollment period) because her Medicare Parts A and B are beginning February 1st, did not have to answer one health question because she had filed in December her CMS-L564 that the Toni Says® office had emailed her. Now she can pick whichever Medicare Supplement plan she desires. I have written about this special 6-month window, many times and stressed the importance of enrolling in Part B at the correct time.
Due to health issues the husband can only apply for a guaranteed issue Medicare Supplement policy because he had been enrolled in Medicare Part B longer than 6 months and has health conditions that keep him from qualifying medically. He can only receive a 63-day guaranteed issue period to apply for a Medicare Supplement, not a 6-month window.
You must have a current company benefit termination letter to prove to the Medicare Supplement insurance company that you are in a guaranteed issue period. No termination letter? Then you might not qualify and will have a Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare Parts A and B as your medical plan without a Medicare Supplement.
For a Medicare Checkup, contact Toni Says® Medicare team at 832/519-8664 or email info@tonisays.com regarding your Medicare options.
