Sign Up for Medicare and Supplemental Medicare
The federal government offers Medicare Part A hospital and Part B medical benefits to individuals who meet age or disability requirements. Supplemental Medicare (Medigap) is provided by private insurance companies to supplement original Medicare coverage.
Instructions
1. Contact your local Social Security office to inquire about your eligibility for Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. Also ask what the monthly premium will be for Part A and Part B. If you are 65 or older, have end-stage renal failure that requires dialysis or a transplant, or are under the age of 65 and receive Social Security disability benefits, you automatically qualify for Medicare Part A and Part B coverage and should be auto-enrolled.
2. Complete the application process for original Medicare if you have not been auto-enrolled. The application can be completed at your local Social Security office or by contacting the Social Security toll-free number: (800) 772-1213. During the application process, you will be required to relay personal identifying information, such as Social Security number and date of birth, medical providers accessed in the past 12 months and any disabilities. If you are approved for original Medicare benefits, go to step 3.
3. Make a list of all medical services that have been accessed in the past year, as well as services that will likely be necessary in the near future. Note how much of the bills from these medical providers are paid by Medicare and any other insurance policy and how much is spent out-of-pocket.
4. Review the 12 different Medigap plans (A through L) and match up the type(s) of plan(s) that provide the most coverage for medical expenses not covered by your Medicare plan.
5. Contact your state department of insurance to inquire about which, if any, Medigap plans of the type(s) chosen in step 4 are available in your area. Write down the name of the private insurance companies offering these plans. A few geographic areas do not have access to Medigap coverage.
6. Contact each of the Medigap providers chosen in step 5. Determine which provider offers the greatest coverage for an affordable price. After choosing a Medigap provider and policy, follow the instructions provided by the provider to enroll.
Tags: Social Security, Medicare Part, original Medicare, Part Part, Supplemental Medicare
