Commonly Asked Medicare Questions Agents Should Know the Answers to

1)     How do I sign up for Medicare?

a.     If you already receive Social Security (SS) benefits, there is no need to sign up for Medicare. The government will automatically enroll you in Medicare Part A and Part B when you become eligible. You can turn down Part B if you do not want to make the premium payments. If you do not receive SS benefits and are not ready to apply for them, you should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.

2)     How do I get a replacement Medicare card?

a.     You can request a replacement at Medicare.gov. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask for a replacement card to be sent in the mail. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048

3)     What are the Medicare late enrollment penalties?

a.     The Part A late enrollment penalty is your monthly premium possibly going up 10% and paying the penalty for twice the number of years you didn’t sign up. Part B’s late enrollment penalty is paying an extra 10% for each year you could have signed up for Part B but didn’t. You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B. You may also have a higher premium depending on your income.

4)     Do I need Medicare if I am still working and receiving health benefits through my employer?

a.     If you have health insurance from you or your spouse’s current job, you do not need to apply for Medicare Part B at 65. You may check to see if you qualify for the Special Enrollment Period, which means you can delay signing up for Part B without a penalty.

5)     If I am receiving Veterans’ benefits, do I need Medicare Part B?

a.     Having Medicare Part B may provide you with additional service and location options. If you don’t sign up when you are first eligible you will have to wait to sign up, and you may have to pay an enrollment penalty.