How the Government Shutdown effects your Medicare Enrollment

Social Security field offices will be open but only with limited services. And with fewer Social Security employees expect a long wait in line or on the phone.

Your alternative is to do everything online.

Social Security processes all of Medicare’s enrollment paperwork and a few months ago (almost as in preparation of the shutdown) they put new changes in place to streamline the system to focus more on enrolling people online. Many of the Social Security workers are on furlough because of the shutdown but field offices will be open but only with limited services. And with fewer Social Security employees expect a long wait in line or on the phone. Your alternative is to do everything online.

You can enroll online for Medicare through Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly

About 90 days prior to turning 65 you should go online and apply for Medicare Parts A and B, which will be on your Medicare red, white & blue card.  Enrolling in Part B is optional so if you plan to continue working after age 65 and will have health coverage through an employer group plan then you should decided if you want to postpone Part B. Click here to read more about turning 65 and plan work few more years.  Start the process of enrolling in Medicare at least 90 days before the month of your birthday. For example if your birthday is Dec. 28, go online to www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly at least 90 days prior to December 1st and you will have your Medicare card arrive in plenty of time to have a Dec. 1 effective date.  Medicare coverage always starts on the first of the month.  Once you have your Medicare card you can enroll in the Medical health plan of your choice.

Good luck and feel free to contact me using the contact form on the Contact Me page if you have additional questions or you can call me directly at (207) 370-0143.

What do I do when I get my Medicare card in the Mail?

When you get your Medicare card contact me for help comparing the new plans available.  I am a licensed insurance agent in Maine and New Hampshire and I am happy to answer your questions or meet with you to explain things and help you enroll in a plan.  I do not charge anything to meet with you.  If you enroll in one of the plans I represent then I will be paid a commission by that plan.  There is no obligation to enroll in any plans when we meet.