Medicare Part B:

Enroll Now or Wait?

Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, durable medical equipment, and many services outside the hospital. The difficult question is often not what Part B covers, but whether you should enroll now, delay enrollment, or use a Special Enrollment Period later.

Medicare.gov – Sign Up for Part A and Part B

Quick Decision Guide

• Retired? Usually enroll in Part B when first eligible.
• Still working? You may be able to delay Part B if covered by a qualifying employer plan.
• Covered under a spouse’s employer plan? You may be able to delay Part B.
• COBRA or retiree coverage? Medicare usually expects you to enroll in Part B.
• VA coverage only? Review your options carefully before delaying Part B.

Most Common Medicare Part B Questions

• I’m still working. Do I need Part B?
  • Whether you need Part B depends on your employer coverage, employer size, and whether coverage is based on active employment.
  • Learn About Medicare and Employer Coverage
    
• Can I enroll later without a penalty?
  • If you qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period, you may be able to enroll later without a late enrollment penalty.
  • Learn About Medicare Special Enrollment Periods
    
• What if I missed my enrollment period?
  • You may need to wait for the Medicare General Enrollment Period and could be subject to a late enrollment penalty.
  • Learn About the General Enrollment Period
    
• How does the Part B penalty work?
  • Medicare generally adds a 10% penalty for each full 12-month period that you could have had Part B but did not enroll and were not eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
  • Learn About the Part B Late Enrollment Penalty
    
• Why is Medicare billing me for several months at once?
  • Many people receive an initial Medicare bill covering multiple months. This often happens when premiums are billed directly instead of being deducted from Social Security.
  • Learn Why Medicare Bills Multiple Months at Once
    
• I have VA benefits. Do I still need Medicare?
  • VA benefits and Medicare work differently. Many veterans choose to enroll in Medicare even when they have VA coverage.
  • VA Coverage Compared to Medicare
    
• I have limited income. Can someone help pay my Part B premium?
  • Medicare Savings Programs may help eligible beneficiaries pay some Medicare costs, including the Part B premium.
  • Learn About Medicare Savings Programs
    

Need Help?

Every Medicare situation is different. If you are unsure whether to enroll in Part B, delay enrollment, use a Special Enrollment Period, or avoid a late enrollment penalty, contact Steve for assistance before making a decision.

Email Steve Shorr

Official Medicare Resources

• Medicare.gov
• Social Security Medicare Enrollment
• CMS-40B Application for Medicare Part B
• CMS-L564 Employer Coverage Verification Form