UNITED STATES─Hello, Toni: My husband, John enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when he turned 65 last September because friends had said if he does not enroll in Part B, he will get a penalty. He is fully employed with excellent employer benefits.
Last week, I spoke with a representative at the Social Security office when I went to apply for my Social Security check and asked them if he would really be penalized if he had delayed enrolling in Medicare with employer benefits. They said he would not if he provides evidence that he has maintained employer health insurance signed by my employer. The agent said he should go to the local Social Security office and ask to have his Medicare Part B removed since he is fully employed with employer benefits.
This information seems opposite to what he has been advised regarding his Medicare. Please explain what John should do to disenroll out of Medicare Part B? Sherry from Spring Branch area.
Sherry: Social Security gave you excellent advice about John’s Medicare. John should visit his local Social Security office and explain to the representative that he needs to have his Medicare Part B terminated due to having employer benefits and fill out form CMS-1763 or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss his options. Social Security advises those wishing to terminate their Medicare Part B to have a personal interview at a local Social Security office. John working full-time with employer benefits is what protects anyone who wishes to delay their Medicare Part B.
Enrolling in Medicare correctly can be stressful. When you enroll in Part B the wrong way, it can cause you to not qualify medically for the Medicare Supplement you want when you leave your employer benefits. You will be in your Medigap Open Enrollment period.
There are special Medicare rules for employees or spouses who are “still working” with “true” company benefits.
The process to enroll in Medicare Part B, if you have delayed Medicare Part B is:
-There are 2 forms available from Social Security’s website or you can ask the Toni Says® office. On the top of each form write in red letters “Special Enrollment Period.” This tells the Social Security agent processing them, you are signing up at the right time and keep from giving you a penalty. You are applying for a SEP (Special Enrollment Period).
- Form #1 Request for Employment Information: proof of employer group health care coverage based on current employment. If you have had 2 or more jobs since turning 65, then all companies you have worked for from age 65 to the time you are retiring, to sign this form. If you are married, you will need the same number of forms for you and/or your spouse filled out and signed by each company’s HR department which you have worked, proving that you and/or your spouse were covered by employer group health insurance.
- Form #2 Application for Enrollment in Medicare: this is your application for medical insurance from Medicare known as Part B. Social Security fills out this form.
For a Medicare Enrollment Checkup, call the Toni Says Medicare call center at 832-519-8664 regarding your Medicare plans and options.
March 2020 Confused about Medicare Workshop:
- West Houston/Katy-Tuesday, March 24th Spring Creek BBQ-Katy 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Spring Creek BBQ-Katy-Banquet Room (dinner not provided) 21000 Katy Freeway, Katy, TX 77449 RSVP 832-519-8664 or visit tonisays.com and sign up via the Toni Says® website.
Toni King, author of the Medicare Survival Guide® is giving a $5 discount on the Medicare Survival Guide® Advanced book at www.tonisays.com. Have a Medicare question? Email Toni at info@tonisays.com.
