Resource Directory Results
How to Print your Search Results
To Print a Single Resource – Click the “Print Resource” link within the resource listing to view a printer-friendly page. When the page opens, right-click within the page and select “Print”.
To Print Multiple Resources – First, select specific resources for your list by checking the “Add to List” box next to each resource. Or, to print all the resources shown on the page, check the “Add All To Print List” box. Next, click “Print List” to generate a printer-friendly PDF document. You can then print the document or save it to your computer.
NOTE: Remember to print your list before you leave this page. Checked items will be lost if you leave this page.
Lesson 03: Medicare Enrollment
Medicare Enrollment
Automatic Enrollment
People automatically receive a Medicare card in the mail from the Social Security Administration if either one of the following is true:
- He/she is 65 and began receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits before turning 65.
- He/she became disabled and had been receiving Social Security or Railroad disability benefits for at least 24 consecutive months.
Must Apply
People must take the initiative to enroll themselves if one of the following is true:
- He/she has not applied for Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits before age 65.
- He/she was a government employee.
- He/she has End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD.)
Enrollment Period
If enrollment is not automatic, a person is responsible for filing a Medicare Enrollment Application with the Social Security Administration during his/her initial 7-month enrollment period. The 7-month enrollment period begins three months prior to the month of the person`s 65th birthday. It ends three months after the month of the person`s 65th birthday. To enroll in Medicare, contact the local Social Security office or call 800-772-1213.
Late Enrollment
If a person does not sign up for Medicare Part B during his/her 7-month enrollment period, he/she must wait until the next general open enrollment period which runs from January 1st to March 31st of each year.
Coverage after late enrollment will not start until July 1st of the year, therefore, a person could lose up to 18 months of coverage for failing to sign up on time.
Late enrollees must also pay a 10% penalty on the Part B premium for each year of delay. This penalty increases every time the Medicare premiums increase and continues to do so for the rest of a person`s life.
There is one exception to this late enrollment rule. A person may decline Part B and enroll later without a penalty if he/she is covered by an employer`s group health plan through active employment or through his/her spouse`s active employment. He/she may enroll later in Part B during a special 8-month enrollment period that usually begins when the employment ends.
Enrollment Web site: http://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/enroll-now
Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP)
Columbus OH 43215
Description:
Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP)
OSHIIP provides free health insurance information and services for Ohioans with Medicare. They will answer your questions about any of the matters listed below.
- Medicare health coverage for seniors and for people under age 65 with disabilities
- Medicare prescription drug plans
- Medicare Advantage Plans (example: HMOs and PPOs)
- Medicare supplemental insurance
- Financial assistance programs for people with limited income
- Long-term care insurance
- Home health care coverage
- Retiree health plan coverage
Toll-free Hotline
OSHIIP's Medicare experts speak with hundreds of callers daily. They provide objective, accurate information and assistance. Call toll-free from anyplace in the USA: 1-800-686-1578
Local volunteer counselors
OSHIIP is involved in your neighborhood.
- OSHIIP has trained and certified more than 800 volunteers across the state
- Volunteer counselors are experts on Medicare and related health insurance matters
- A local volunteer can meet with you in person or speak with you over the telephone
Want to become an OSHIIP volunteer?
Without volunteers, OSHIIP could not fulfill its mission. Dedicated people are needed to be volunteers in all parts of Ohio. As a volunteer, you will:
- Learn about Medicare in a free 22-hour course
- Help people in your community
- Have the satisfaction of taking part in a truly worthy cause
For more information, contact OSHIIP about the next training course in your area. Call 1-888-686-VOLS or email oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov.
RetireMEDiQ
Cincinnati Ohio 45242
Description:
RetireMEDiQ, formerly MB Senior Solutions, was formed in 2007 to provide Medicare-eligible individuals with the knowledge, guidance and choice needed to select a Medicare plan that is right for their specific needs. RetireMEDiQ specializes in helping individuals understand Medicare options, and advises approximately 18,000 individuals on their health care plan selection.