What if I'm over 65 and didn't enroll in Part B during my Initial Enrollment Period?

September 20, 2009 by admin

Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before you turn age 65 and lasts for 7 months. Except in certain cases, if you do not enroll in Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, you will have wait until the next General Enrollment Period to enroll. General Enrollment Periods are between January 1 and March 31 each year. When March 31 falls on a non-business day, the General Enrollment Period is extended to the next business day. If you sign up for Medicare Part B during a General Enrollment Period, your coverage starts on July 1 of that year. 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. For example, in 2009, the Medicare Part B premium is $96.40 per month*. If you delayed enrolling in Medicare Part B for 24 months from the time you first could have had Medicare Part B, your premium in 2009 would be $115.68 per month. Example: You delayed enrolling in Medicare Part B for 24 months $96.40 base premium in 2009 + $9.64 (10% of $96.40) for the first 12 month delay + $9.64 (10% of $96.40) for the second 12 month delay = $115.68 will be your Medicare Part B premium for 2009 To enroll in Part B, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. For more information, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their web site. See question Can I delay my Medicare Part B enrollment without paying higher premiums? for more information about exceptions to paying higher premiums. See question on how to enroll in Medicare for more information on enrolling in Medicare. *Note: If your income is above $85,000 (single) or $170,000 (married couple), then your Medicare Part B premium may be higher than $96.40 per month. For additional details, see Medicare's FAQ: Medicare Part B monthly premiums in 2009.