As time goes on, more and more businesses are going online. This includes Medicare. Almost every insurance company can enroll you in Medicare online. Furthermore, the Social Security Administration has access to enroll you in Medicare online. Our office still assists people with both paper applications and online enrollments. This article discusses the ways to enroll in Medicare online.
Part A and Part B
To qualify for a Medicare Supplement plan or Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in both Part A and Part B of Medicare. If you are receiving Social Security benefits, you are usually automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B when you turn 65. It is important you enroll in both Part A and Part B prior to applying for additional coverage. The Social Security Administration handles Part A and B applications. To enroll in Part A and Part B on the Social Security Administration’s website, please click here.
Part C
Private insurance companies sell Part C plans, also known as Medicare Advantage plans. These plans have different benefits, premiums, and network lists. Also, most plans include Part D drug coverage. Some plans may also include value added benefits like dental, vision, and hearing aid coverage. Part C plans never ask health questions so you can change your coverage every year during the Annual Enrollment Period. Since there are a lot of factors that go into choosing the right Part C plan, we recommend consulting a broker. Our brokers will help guide you through the process and will send you on online application when you find the right plan.
Medicare Supplement Plans
Private insurance companies sell Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap plans. Not every insurance company allows people to enroll online. More and more companies are transitioning to online enrollments, but you may need to fill out a PDF application depending on the carrier you select. We recommend consulting one of our brokers to see if the insurance company you prefer can enroll in Medicare online.
Part D
Medicare Supplement plans do not include Part D drug coverage. To get drug coverage you need to purchase a standalone drug plan. This is called Part D of Medicare. Even if you are not taking any drugs today, it is important that you enroll in a minimum plan to avoid a lifetime penalty. If you are taking prescriptions, these plans can be changed every year based on the prescriptions you are currently taking. Drug plans do not ask health questions.
Part D drug plans are offered through private insurance companies, but the federal Medicare website helps people enroll in part D drug plans. Your drug plan information is saved on your account from year to year, making the renewal process even easier. To shop for drug plans on the federal Medicare website, please click here.
