How Long Does It Take to Get Medicare Part B After Applying?

One important part of the healthcare puzzle is Medicare Part B. It covers a wide range of services including doctor's visits, outpatient care, preventive services, laboratory tests, durable medical equipment, outpatient mental health services, ambulance services, and more.

But let's get down to the burning question: how long does it take to get your Medicare Part B coverage after you've submitted your application?

Applying for Medicare Part B

To be eligible for Medicare Part B, you typically need to meet the following requirements:

• Be 65 years or older
• Have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years
• Be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident with at least five consecutive years of residence

However, there are exceptions to these rules, and individuals with certain disabilities or specific medical conditions may also qualify for Medicare Part B, regardless of their age.

If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, so you don't need to enroll.

But while Part A is generally premium-free, Part B requires you to pay a monthly premium which is an amount set by the government every year. So, if you are auto-enrolled but don't want Part B coverage yet, you have the option to opt out.

On the other hand, if you aren't already receiving Social Security benefits, you won't be automatically enrolled in Medicare, and you'll need to apply for Part B yourself.

Where to Apply for Medicare Part B

‍You can apply for Medicare Part B in the following ways:

• Online: The official Social Security website (www.ssa.gov) offers an online application process. You can visit the website and fill out the necessary forms to apply for Medicare Part B conveniently from your own home.
• In-person: If you prefer face-to-face assistance or have specific questions regarding your application, you can schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office.
• Over the phone: You can also call the Social Security Administration directly at their toll-free number 1 (800) 772-1213. A representative will be available to assist you and help you complete the application over the phone.
• With the help of a trusted Medicare broker: If you want personalized guidance and assistance throughout the application process, reaching out to a trusted Medicare broker like us here at Sams/Hockaday can be a great choice. We specialize in Medicare plans and can ensure that you're completing the application correctly and submitting it on time.

Schedule an appointment using our online calendar

When to Apply for Medicare Part B Coverage

Applying for Part B Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period is the best way to avoid any late enrollment penalties and ensure that your coverage starts on time.  

The Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window that begins three months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and the three months after your birthday.

If your birthday is on the first of the month, your Initial Enrollment Period will start 4 months before your 65th birthday, include your birthday month, and end 2 months after the month you turn 65 instead.

If you miss that enrollment window, you will only be able to sign up for Part B during the General Enrollment Period which is between January 1st and March 31st of each year.

At Sams Hockaday, we recommend applying early to set yourself up for a smoother application process overall. Waiting can lead to unintended penalties and lapses in coverage, so we encourage you to reach out even as early as 6 months before you turn 65.

When Does My Part B Coverage Start?

The effective date of your Medicare Part B coverage will generally depend on when you sign up. It will always start on the 1st of the month.

Remember, the Initial Enrollment Period generally includes the 3 months before the month of your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and the 3 months after (slightly earlier if your birthday falls on the 1st).

If you sign up:

• In one of the 3 months before your birthday month: your coverage will kick in on the 1st of your birthday month. ‍
• During your birthday month: your coverage will begin on the 1st of the following month.
• ‍During one of the 3 months after your birthday month: your coverage will start on the 1st of the following month.

Is there a waiting period for Medicare Part B?

Previously, if you signed up during the General Enrollment Period of one of the months after your birthday, you had to wait a few months or until July for your Medicare coverage to kick in.  

But starting January 1, 2023, there is no waiting period, and your Medicare Part B coverage will start the first day of the month after you sign up (or as detailed above).

However, it’s important to know, if you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you will need to wait until the General Enrollment Period comes around (January 1st - March 31st) to enroll in Medicare Part B.

Depending on when your birthday falls, you could end up waiting for quite some time. And while you're waiting for that General Enrollment Period, you may face a lapse in healthcare coverage, have to pay all your medical bills out of pocket, and pay enrollment penalties which would be added to your premium for as long as you have Medicare Part B coverage.  

Given these potential pitfalls, you can see why enrolling during the appropriate enrollment period is important.

Special enrollment periods

Certain life events may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to enroll in Medicare Part B outside of the usual enrollment periods without paying a late enrollment penalty. And in some cases, it may make sense to sign up later.

For example, if you turn 65, but either you or your spouse is still actively working and has medical insurance through your employer, you may not want to enroll in Medicare Part B right away because you don't want to pay the monthly premium when you already have coverage.

If that's the case, you can choose not to enroll, and whenever your employment ends, you will have a special enrollment period that lasts for 8 months.

Other reasons that may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period are things like losing Medicaid coverage, being impacted by a natural disaster or another emergency, getting inaccurate or misleading information from your health plan or employer, or being released from incarceration.

If you're not sure if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, consult with the Social Security Administration or a trusted Medicare brokerage like Sams/Hockaday for more guidance.

Can I choose the start date for Medicare Part B?

In general, your start date for Medicare Part B coverage will be determined by the date that you sign up as we've detailed above.

However, if you sign up during a Special Enrollment Period, there are some circumstances where you can choose a different start date. Those are:

• If you (or your spouse) have or had employer health insurance and now qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may be able to choose a start date on the first day of any of the 3 following months. That way you can sign up in advance knowing your employer coverage will end soon and avoid paying for both the employer plan and the Part B premium or having a gap in coverage.
• If you lost Medicaid coverage on or after 1/1/2023: You can choose for your coverage to start either the month after you sign up, or the date your Medicaid coverage ends.
• If you were released from incarceration, you can select retroactive coverage back to your release date for a maximum of 6 months.
• If you have Tricare: You can choose for your coverage to start after the end of your Initial Enrollment Period.

If you're not sure whether one of these circumstances applies to you, or when it would be in your best interest to choose a different date for your coverage to begin, consult with the Social Security Administration or a trusted Medicare brokerage like Sams/Hockaday for specific details.

Conclusion

Enrolling in Medicare Part B is an important step toward accessing the healthcare services and benefits you need as you age. By being proactive and well-informed about the application process, you can make the transition to Medicare a seamless one.

At Sams/Hockaday, we're here to support you on your Medicare journey. Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced agents who can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate the application process with ease.

Additionally, we would love to see you at one of our educational seminars, which are held once a month. It's a fantastic opportunity to expand your understanding of the Medicare program and get all your questions answered.