Tricky Situation Really Need Advice On Application For Medicare

[jacqueline]

I went down to SS office looking for advice and help because I have a couple of issues with regards to signing up most of them logistical issues.

I turn 65 10/29. When I went down on 7/18 I was told the earliest I could apply was 7/29. I later found out from a supervisor on the phone that was incorrect. She advised me to come back Monday. When I got to the window the agent said "there is no one here that can help you"! That in itself was interesting. I asked to speak to the supervisor no one came.

I sat at the kiosk and applied online. When the person came from the back to give me my printout I asked about how to set up easy pay -- she said "call Medicare". It is obvious to me that they have not a clue that it is done through SS.

Here is my dilemma. I have no idea when the card will be mailed. We are leaving on 9/4 for an extensive trip and our mail will probably catch up to us by the end of October. Since I am not collecting Social Security I have to pay the premium. How can I do that in a timely manner? I am not sure how soon the bill is mailed after you get the card or do they come together?. Another fly in the ointment is that I have to pay more due to income. My husband had to bring in our taxes to show our income had gone down since he retired but we still earn enough to push us over the normal medicare premiums but not as much as tax return states. My guess the system is not sophisticated enough to link accounts and will go off of the Tax Return that shows the higher income and will come in with an incorrect premium.

Can anyone suggest how to handle this situation so I get things in a timely manner. Is it likely that nothing will happen during September but more likely in October? I am most concerned about not having the payment in a timely manner and the bill reflect the correct amount.

Thanks for any help.

 

[MBSC]

Based on your birthday, you probably will receive your Medicare card in mid-August. Your first bill will arrive separately and most likely while you are on vacation. You can set up easy pay before you go on vacation or use another payment method while on vacation. You do not need to have the bill in hand for some methods. You do not need your Medicare card to make a payment but you do need the account number on the card. If you do not have the card before you make a payment, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE to obtain your account number.

If your IRMAA income adjustment is not correctly reflected in the premium, you can appeal the decision.

The link below provides the form and instructions to set up easy pay.
https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/paying-parts-a-and-b/medicare-easy-pay.html

The link below lists all the payment methods.
https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/paying-parts-a-and-b/pay-parts-a-and-b-premiums.html

 

[jacqueline]

Based on your birthday, you probably will receive your Medicare card in mid-August. Your first bill will arrive separately and most likely while you are on vacation. You can set up easy pay before you go on vacation or use another payment method while on vacation. You do not need to have the bill in hand for some methods. You do not need your Medicare card to make a payment but you do need the account number on the card. If you do not have the card before you make a payment, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE to obtain your account number.

If your IRMAA income adjustment is not correctly reflected in the premium, you can appeal the decision.

The link below provides the form and instructions to set up easy pay.
https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/paying-parts-a-and-b/medicare-easy-pay.html

The link below lists all the payment methods.
https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/paying-parts-a-and-b/pay-parts-a-and-b-premiums.html

Thank you so much