Can I delay Medicare Part B without paying extra? When should I sign up for Medicare? Is Medicare enrollment automatic when I turn 65? What happens if I postpone Medicare enrollment? 
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Can I delay Medicare Part B?
Most people will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when they turn 65. And most will receive Part A at no charge, while Medicare Part B requires a monthly premium.
If you do not have health insurance now, and are turning age 65, you should take advantage of your opportunity to enroll in both parts of Medicare.
Your initial enrollment period begins 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday. If you fail to enroll in both parts of Medicare you may be subject to a late enrollment penalty.
If you miss your initial enrollment period you may enroll in Medicare under the general enrollment rules. General enrollment begins January 1 and ends on March 31 of each calendar year. Your Medicare coverage would begin on July 1 of the year when you enroll in the general enrollment period.
You may choose to delay Medicare Part B and enroll during a special enrollment period. If you or your spouse is actively employed and covered under an employer group health plan, you may delay enrollment without penalty. Your 8 month special enrollment period begins when your group coverage ends
Is Medicare enrollment automatic at age 65?
For most people, the Medicare enrollment process is automatic. About 3 months before you turn 65 you should receive a “Welcome to Medicare” packet along with your Medicare cards. If you decide to delay Medicare Part B (or Part A) you should contact the Social Security Administration. Delaying Part A means you will also delay receiving Social Security so think twice before postponing your Medicare Part A.
Postpone enrollment in Medicare Part B
If you are covered under an employer group health plan and wish to delay Medicare Part B you should notify Social Security. You also need to make a note to contact Social Security at least 60 days before you plan on leaving your employer group health plan and tell them to begin your Medicare Part B benefits.
Purchasing Medicare supplement coverage
Medicare covers less than 80% of your medical costs and most people will purchase a Medigap plan to fill the holes in Medicare. You must have Medicare Part A and Part B in place before you can purchase a supplement plan.
With over 170 different Medigap plans in Georgia, how do you find the right one?
Bob Vineyard at Georgia Medicare Plans can explain your Medicare rights and help you understand your choices in a 15 minute phone conversation. Feel free to call or email.
If you want to shop and compare plans on your own, we make that option available as well.
