While separate programs under the federal government, Medicare and Social Security work together to provide important healthcare benefits to American seniors and those with disabilities. Social Security handles enrollment in Medicare, simplifies paying your premiums, and keeps track of who qualifies for premium-free Part A.
Enrolling in Medicare
When you want to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, you go through Social Security. You can call Social Security, mail your application, visit the Medicare website, or make an appointment with your local Social Security office.
Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare. This is because Social Security is already processing their benefits for retirement or disability.
If you have already been receiving retirement benefits from Social Security at least four months before you turn 65, you will not need to apply for Medicare. Similarly, if you qualify due to a disability, you have a simplified Medicare enrollment process. If you have been receiving disability benefits from Social Security for at least 24 months, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare coverage. If you have ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), you begin receiving Medicare benefits the same month you first receive disability benefits.
If you have end-stage renal disease and qualify for Medicare, you will need to apply for benefits. You can begin receiving Medicare coverage during your fourth month of a regular course of dialysis or during the first month of at-home dialysis if you have been trained and approved by your doctor to perform at-home treatments.
Paying for Medicare
Those who are receiving retirement or disability benefits from Social Security can pay their Medicare Part B premiums directly from their Social Security benefits. The cost is deducted from your monthly Social Security payments instead of you having to pay a bill from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
You can also elect to have your premiums for a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan deducted from your Social Security payments.
Additionally, your eligibility for benefits from Social Security impacts your costs for Medicare Part A.
Managing Benefits
Social Security keeps track of work credits, which are the number of calendar quarters you or your spouse worked while paying taxes to Medicare. If you or your spouse worked for at least 40 calendar quarters, you will qualify for Social Security retirement benefits and will also qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A.
To learn more about how to coordinate your Medicare benefits, speak with the team at Magellan Healthcare. We are here to help you access the care you need. Give us a call today.
