Medicare

Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older, under 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicare has four different parts: Part A, B, C, and D. If we can help you with a Medicare concern or question, please contact April Evans of my Greenville office at (864) 232-1141 or Dwayne Hatchett of my Spartanburg office at (864) 582-6422.

Medicare's website can give you personalized information about your health care claims, your Part B deductible status, your Medicare health or prescription plan, and your eligibility information.


Medicare FAQs

When can I enroll in Medicare?

If you didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you first became eligible, you may be able to sign up during the General Enrollment Period. This period runs from January 1 through March 31 of each year. During this time, you can sign up for Medicare Part B at your local Social Security office. If you get benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRRB), call your local RRRB office or 1-800-808-0772. Your Medicare Part B coverage will start July 1 of the year you sign up.

 

I am over 65 and I didn’t enroll in Medicare Part B during my Initial Enrollment Period. Can I still enroll?

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 were eligible to receive Medicare Part B, but did not take it. For example, in 2007, the Medicare Part B premium is $93.50 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 2007 would be $112.20 per month.

 

I don’t like my current provider for my Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Can I switch providers, and if so, when?

Generally if you join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, you can only change plans under certain circumstances. You can choose to switch your current plan between the dates of November 15 thru December 31 of every year.

Enrollment is generally for the calendar year. In certain cases, such as if you move or enter a nursing home, you can switch your plan at other times.

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you can change plans at any time.

 

If I retire at the age of 62 will I be eligible for Medicare at that time?

No. Medicare benefits do not begin until a person is age 65. If you retire at age 62, you may be able to continue to have medical insurance coverage through your employer. If not, you may purchase coverage from a private insurance company until you turn age 65 and become eligible for Medicare. The exception is for those who have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months or longer – there is no age limit for such individuals.