I want to add Part B to my Medicare. When can I do that?

September 20, 2009 by admin

You can sign up for Medicare Part B: 1) When you first enroll in Medicare (your Initial Enrollment Period). Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before you turn age 65 and lasts for 7 months. 2) January 1 - March 31 of each year (your General Enrollment Period). If you enroll in Part B during a General Enrollment Period, it will be effective July 1 of the year in which you apply. Your Medicare Part B premium may go up 10 percent for each 12 month period that you could have had Medicare Part B, but did not take it. 3) If you didn't take Medicare Part B when you were first eligible because you or your spouse were working and had group health plan coverage through your or your spouse's employer or union, you can sign up for Medicare Part B during a Special Enrollment Period. You can sign up:

• anytime you are still covered by the employer or union group health plan through your or your spouse's current or active employment, or
• during the 8 months following the month the employer or union group health plan coverage ends, or
• when the employment ends (whichever is first).

You should contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to add Medicare Part B. For more information on enrolling in Medicare, see Medicare's FAQ: How do I enroll in Medicare? For more information on delaying enrollment in Medicare Part B if you or your spouse is still working, see Medicare's FAQ: Can I delay my Medicare Part B enrollment without paying higher premiums? For more information on how delaying enrollment in Medicare Part B could result in paying higher Part B premiums, see Medicare's FAQ: What if I'm over 65 and didn't enroll in Part B during my Initial Enroll Period?