I live outside the U.S. I do not have Part B. If I get Part B, will I pay more?

September 20, 2009 by admin

When you can enroll in Part B and whether you will have to pay higher premiums will depend upon your individual situation. There are 3 possible scenarios, each of which is described below: (1) If you are over age 65, currently entitled to social security retirement benefits and Medicare Part A, and you declined Part B when first eligible, enrollment may only occur during the January 1 - March 31 General Enrollment Period and you may have to pay higher premiums. You do not need to live in the U.S. to enroll. (2) If you are over age 65, and are eligible for social security benefits, you may file an application for monthly benefits and Medicare Part A. You will be deemed to have filed for Part B during the January 1 - March 31 General Enrollment Period (unless you decline Part B at the time of filing.) You may have to pay higher premiums. You do not need to live in the U.S. to apply. (3) If you are a U.S. citizen, over age 65, are NOT eligible for social security benefits and lived in a foreign country when you turned age 65, you must reside in the U.S. in order to file for Part B. You are first eligible to enroll in Part B the month you return to the U.S. to establish U.S. residence. If you enroll in Part B when you return to the U.S. to establish residence, you will not have to pay higher premiums. You should call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to enroll in Part B. See also Medicare's FAQs: I want to add Part B to my Medicare. When can I do that? and What if I'm over 65 and didn't enroll in Part B during my Initial Enroll Period?