Get Prepared for Part B

It is time to think about leaving your employer insurance for Medicare and to Apply for Medicare Part B.  The purpose of this article is to help you prepare for Medicare, in advance, and to avoid missing important deadlines, which could lead to missed opportunities or even extra costs.  Bookmark this story or share it with a friend.

CHECKLIST: Leaving Employer Insurance and Transitioning to Medicare From Employer Health Insurance

1. First, if you are currently working and receiving employer-sponsored health insurance, do not sign up for Medicare Part B solely because you turned 65.  Read our related article to “Understand what you are getting into.“  While there are some exceptions, if you work for a large employer (20 or more employees), you don’t need to do this yet.
2. Second, those employer plan disclosures e.g. Annual Notice of Creditable Coverage for prescriptions? Don’t throw them away if you are Age 65 or older.  This could cost you extra money.  My advice is to start a Medicare Preparedness File, and save this article as part of your checklist.
3. Third, have a discussion with your primary care physician:  Ask if they currently accept new patients, especially those on traditional Medicare.  Be bold, and ask if they plan to retire in the near future.  It’s better to find out sooner than later if you need to research a new primary care physician.
4. Fourth, find an independent agent who focuses on Medicare health plans…and I mean lots of plans e.g FAQs on various Plan Gs.  You are going to need their ongoing, independent advice, as plans (and Medicare) do change over time.  Plus, you need help initially, to discuss a transition plan for leaving employer insurance for Medicare Part A and/or Part B and possibly coordinating temporary COBRA coverage for you and/or a spouse .  Finally, get independent feedback on all the medigap plans and different “flavors of G.”  We put together a good introduction to this topic.  Read:  The Buzz About Plan G and Plan G Extra.

“Our insurance agency is local, and fiercely independent, and contracted with 37 different insurance companies.”

It Is Foolish Not To Use A Local, Independent Agent

Californians do not receive a premium discount when you bypass an agent to go directly to

the insurer; you only lose your “independence.”  Once you understand this, it is in your best interest to find an experienced, independent agent  to help your transition from employer-sponsored plans to the Medicare world (It’s better than waiting on hold for two hours with Social Security).

A more detailed article on these issues and important timelines and deadlines can be found on our website, derendingerins.com.

Related Links

• CMS-40B ENGLISH HTML
• CMS-40B – Spanish – HTML
• Apply for Medicare-Part B Online During a Special Enrollment Period
• CMS Accessibility & Nondiscrimination for Individuals with Disabilities Notice
• SSA Office Locator

(408) 252-7300 CALL TODAY and receive a FREE primer on Medicare Part D

“We do not offer every plan available in your area.  Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area.  Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.”