How to Obtain Medicare Part B Coverage

Medicare Part B can be a tremendous benefit to those who need supplemental insurance. However, many believe that obtaining it will be a daunting task. Whether you're concerned that the paperwork is too involved or you simply don't have a clue on how to buy it, following a few simple steps can aid you through the process.

Understand How Medicare Part B Works. Medicare is a government health insurance program that is packaged into four parts, namely A, B, C and D. Most people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A at age 65, but Part A only covers some hospital and nursing care costs. All other charges, including doctor bills, clinic charges and medications, must be covered by a supplemental policy such as the plans offered under Medicare Part B, which was introduced to fill out the holes left by Part A. After you meet your annual deductible, Part B will pay 80 percent of the reasonable charges incurred by you for your medical needs. You will have to pay the remaining 20 percent as your "co-insurance" contribution. The reasonable charges covered by Part B are usually less than the actual costs of your care, and you may have to pay the difference. However, some providers agree to accept the "reasonable charge" as the full payment and in such a case, you only have to pay your 20 percent share of the reasonable charge.

Learn the true benefits and costs. Before you apply for Medicare Part B, you must fully understand the benefits and the costs of joining. You will have to pay a premium and this premium may be deducted from your Social Security benefits. Alternatively, you can also pay it online every quarter. Part B covers tests, screenings, preventive services, diabetic supplies, emergency room services, eyeglass coverage, mental health care, dialysis, transplant coverage, mammograms and occupational therapy.

Determine whether you meet the criteria for Part B eligibility. You must be United States legal resident. If you have doubts as to your eligibility in this regard, you can contact a Social Security Administration office to check. You must be over 65 years of age or you must have a recognized disability if you are under 65 years of age or be suffering from renal disease requiring a kidney transplant or dialysis.

Apply for Medicare. You can call or visit your local Social Security office to apply. You can also call (800) 772-1213 to apply or you can also do it online at Social Security.gov. See the Resource section for a link. If you are getting Social Security benefits, then you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. If you want to apply for just Medicare and not Social Security benefits, then you must apply three months before the month in which you turn 65. This will be the start of your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period. On the other hand, if you wait until you turn 65 years, then your Medicare coverage can be delayed.

The monthly Part B Medicare premium for 2009 is $96.40 if you are single and if your income is less than $85,000 or $170,000 if you are married. The premium will be higher if your income is higher. Usually, the Social Security Administration will use the IRS income tax return that you filed two years ago to determine your premium. In short, Part B is aimed to reduce your health care costs by providing additional coverage for a low premium.

References: Social Security