Medicare FAQ
- If I’m under 65 can I get Medicare?
- Will my part B premium go up in 2010?
- What is the Part B premium for 2010?
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are under 65 and disabled, you can get Medicare. You are not entitled to the benefits until you have received 24 months of disability benefits. You do not have to enroll. Your Medicare card will automatically be mailed to you around 3 months before your entitlement date.
Medicare beneficiaries who currently have the premium withheld from their Social Security benefit, and have an income of $85,000 or less per year will not have an increase in their monthly Part B premium. They will continue to pay $96.40 per month.
For those new to Medicare, and those who did not have the premium withheld from their Social Security benefit, the new Part B premium for most will be $110.50.
San Diego, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Poway, La Jolla, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, Fallbrook, San Marcos, Escondido.
I’m available for appointments in any of these areas, as well as Temecula in Riverside county.
If you live outside of my service area, but are still in the state of CA, I can still help you with your insurance needs over the phone.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Can you explain the Birthday rule to me?? If my mother turns 65 June 2011 she can apply 3 months before and three months after but when would the benefits take effect?
Hi Julie,
The Birthday Rule is a bit different from the rules you described.
The Birthday Rule is for California residents only. It allows an existing Medicare beneficiary with a Medicare Supplement plan to change to an equal or lesser plan with no underwriting. The timeframe to switch plans begins on their birthday, and lasts for 30 days.
The purpose of this is to give Medicare enrollees an opportunity to shop around for better prices without being subject to health questions and underwriting.
The rules you mentioned perfectly describe the Initial Enrollment Period, when you first become eligible for Medicare. This enrollment period includes the 3 months before the birthday month, the month she turns 65, and three months after, for a total of 7 months.
If your mom signed up within the three months before turning 65, the benefits would take effect on the 1st day of the birthday month, June for her. If she signed up during or after the birthday month, benefits take effect on the first of the following month.
I hope that helps. Thanks for stopping by!