New Way to Sign Up for Medicare
Online enrollment now available
By: Patricia Barry | Source: AARP Bulletin Today www.aarp.org| March 23, 2010
Starting this week, people who are nearing or beyond age 65 and wish to enroll in Medicare without simultaneously applying for Social Security retirement benefits will be able to do so online.
This new kind of application “will make it easier than ever to sign up for Medicare,” said Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue at the program’s launch in Los Angeles. The rollout will be promoted in advertising spots featuring actress Patty Duke and the cast of her 1960s sitcom show.
In the past, people typically retired at age 65 and signed up for both Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare at that time. But full retirement age for receiving benefits is now 66 and will eventually rise to 67, even though Medicare entitlement still begins at 65. Also, far more people are now working beyond age 65 and delaying retirement benefits.
“Now that the full retirement age is getting later and people are delaying retirement, about 500,000 people a year are looking to file for Medicare alone,” says Anita Kelly Bible, manager of the online project at the Social Security Administration (SSA). “So we figured this was a good opportunity to put out an online application that we think people can use quickly and easily.”
The online program is not for people who elect to receive early Social Security retirement benefits (with reduced payments) between ages 62 and 66 or for those who become eligible for Medicare at an earlier age because of disability. In either situation, they receive their Medicare cards automatically without needing to apply.
And people who prefer to use the traditional methods of signing up for Medicare—over the phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at their local Social Security office—are free to do so.
Going online
To access the online program, go to www.ssa.gov and click on “Applying Online for Retirement/Medicare benefits.” You need to answer a series of questions, and links are provided for additional information. Social Security officials say that for most people the process takes about 15 minutes.
Consumer advocates welcome the new system, while advising people to find out answers to questions relating to their own circumstances before enrolling online.
“Anything that makes it easier for people to enroll in Medicare is a good thing for consumers,” says Joe Baker, president of the Medicare Rights Center. “But I don’t think you can do it in 15 minutes without having done your homework first.”
For example, many people who continue to work after age 65 and have group health insurance from their employers, or are covered by a working spouse’s employer insurance, do not need to sign up for Medicare Part B (which covers doctors visits and other outpatient services) until they retire. But others in exactly the same situation may need to enroll in Part B at age 65 or face a late penalty when they do finally sign up.
Among other factors, the decision to enroll can depend on whether the employer plan requires people who are eligible for Medicare to enroll in Part B. Similarly, it may not be a good idea for those who have health savings accounts with their employers to enroll even in Part A (hospital insurance) because current law does not allow them to contribute to their accounts if they’re enrolled in Medicare.
Phone follow-ups
The SSA is aware of these permutations, as well as the fact that many people do not know the requirements relating to their own circumstances. Therefore, Bible says, when applicants note on the online form that they are still working or have employer insurance, Social Security officials will review the online applications and phone them if the information is inconsistent “to make sure that the person made the right decision.”
For people in uncomplicated situations—who are retiring at age 65 and have no other health insurance, for example—the online process is “pretty straightforward, and my feeling is that they’ll be pretty well served by it,” Baker says. “But Medicare Part B is one of the most important decisions that people make as they turn 65, and a lot of them get it wrong.”
The online tool allows applicants to stop and save it for completing later. “So if you’re unsure of an answer, you should not continue the application,” Baker adds. “Before completing it, you should stop it and get more information,” from Social Security, a consumer adviser or your employer.
At present, the online Medicare application is available only in English. Speakers of other languages who wish to enroll can call Social Security or visit their local office and request interpreter services, free of charge, if they need them.
Patricia Barry is a senior editor at the AARP Bulletin.
La Amistad Adult Care and Activity Center-See our business directory at www.findit.mysoutex.com
Beeville, Texas
To the Bastida Family and the Fabulous Staff and Volunteers of La Amistad Adult Day Care:
My wife and I would like to share our appreciation and congratulations on the operation of such a fine, family oriented establishment. We would also like to offer our sincerest gratitude for caring for our child Aileen Garcia this summer. She absolutely loved her time at the center! In fact, her best friend Dolores Garcia also attended your program. Dolores graduated this past May from A.C. Jones High School, but they were able to enjoy time together at La Amistad. Your organization is wonderfully staffed with excellent personnel who care and know everyone by name – we ALWAYS felt welcomed and well-informed of our child’s progress. The in- house nurse would always advise us of any concerns, which made us feel comfortable in case of an emergency. The kitchen staff was always friendly and had hot, fresh, delicious food for the attendees. Aileen and I would arrive in the mornings to be greeted by uplifting music and smiles. It was a great way to begin our days --- hugs for her and fresh, hot coffee for me!
It was also fantastic to see the Bastida Family members on hand; working along with the staff and helping to deliver outstanding services and care. The trips to Corpus Christi were the highlight of our little girl’s summer. She loved to play Bingo and then have lunch at one of her favorite places, Golden Corral. Perhaps next year you all could make the trip to Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas. You have probably heard of it as it is the first theme park made especially for children and adults with special needs. We took Dolores and Aileen before they started at the center, and they had a magnificent time and even made some new friends. The park has something to offer everyone and offers wrist bands with locators for each member of your party along with covered areas to have a picnic. You could even rent out the gymnasium if you wanted to! Please know that our family will of course be available to help you on a trip of this magnitude ---let us know when, and we will be there to help you as you have helped our family.
Our child, Aileen, was born with Down syndrome. We, as parents, have always wanted our daughter to be self independent, and this summer was a great way for her to start feeling how it is to be away from home and around others. Your facility has so much to offer: a chapel, a hair salon, a pool room, rest areas and several televisions for different types of interest. There is also a covered patio, a walking area, a nurse’s station and various other activities areas. Your establishment has it all and then some! Teresa and I would like to thank the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Bastida, for running such a vital and excellent facility in this community and for the staff who cares so genuinely for our children and loved ones. Your organization lives up to its name…. “La Amistad” or “Friendship”, as you have helped foster and create friendships for Aileen and countless others. The value to families such as ours in Beeville and the surrounding towns is truly priceless. May God continue to bless your family and your staff.
Sincerely,
Mr. Jose Angel & Mrs. Teresa Garcia