If you are turning 65 soon or you have just qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and will be eligible for Medicare after the waiting period you still have options to apply or change your enrollment even those Social Security offices remain mostly closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People can apply online or through more conventional ways by making contact with Social Security. Below is an update from Social Security’s COVID-19 update page, which provides options for those looking into their Medicare enrollment.
If you enrolled in Medicare Part A and would like to enroll in Part B under the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to a loss of employment or group health coverage, you can apply online at Apply for Medicare Part B Online during a Special Enrollment Period. You can upload your application and documents that verify your group health plan coverage through your employer.
You can also fax or mail your completed CMS-40B, Application for Enrollment in Medicare – Part B (Medical Insurance) and the CMS-L564, Request for Employment Information enrollment forms and evidence of employment to your local Social Security office. If you have questions, please contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Note: When completing the forms CMS-40B and CMS-L564:
· State, “I want Part B coverage to begin (MM/YY)” in the remarks section of the CMS-40B form or online application.
· If your employer is unable to complete Section B, please complete that portion as best as you can on behalf of your employer without your employer’s signature.
· Also, submit one of the following forms of secondary evidence:
*Income tax form that shows health insurance premiums paid.
*W-2s reflecting pre-tax medical contributions.
*Pay stubs that reflect health insurance premium deductions.
*Health insurance cards with a policy effective date.
*Explanations of benefits paid by the GHP or LGHP.
*Statements or receipts that reflect payment of health insurance premiums.
