If so, she only needs to sign up for Part A. She can generally delay signing up for part B until her work insurance ends. There are generally no premiums for Part A.

That will make it easier. Thanks, I did not know that.

since she was covered under my work plan. When I retired (at 65), I signed us both up for Part B. Since she's drawing SS, her Medicare premiums are coming from her SS. Since I've got another year to go until I start drawing SS (at 70), I pay my premiums directly, 3 months at a time.

Or do they send you a bill? She had a brain tumor removed years ago and now showing signs of cognitive problems so I don't trust her doing the auto banking stuff. Unless it's in the form of getting a physical bill and sending a voided check with it.

We direct the bank to send a check to pay the bill. We don't get images of the cashed
checks back, unfortunately, due to a quirk in our bank. Until recently, we got images - but they changed their database and don't have the quirks straightened out yet.

I'm sorry your daughter is struggling with cognitive issues. If there is a chance the cognitive issues might force a retirement within the 3 months after her 65th birthday you/she will need to do some careful thinking about whether to opt out of work insurance and enroll early - or risk up to 2 months without coverage. Enrollment in Medicare Part B has a 7 month initial enrollment period (3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after her 65th birthday. When she retires she will get a second option to enroll under the same conditions as the first (2 months after losing her health insurance). When those two periods overlap, the initial enrollment period rules govern (which requires delays before the start of coverage if you enroll in the 3 month period after your birthday. I almost had a coverage gap because I retired unexpectedly on the last day of the 3rd month following my birthday. Had it been on the last day of the 2nd month, I would have had a month with no insurance because enrollment in the 3 month period after your birthday imposes a delay of 1-2 months before Medicare starts. It's a really complex set of rules.

I get a physical bill every 3 months to pay for Part B.

health insurance through employment she shouldn't be paying Medicare anything. Once she collects SS they will take the Medicare payment right out of there. I have no idea if they have a situation where you can pay directly, it was never a choice when I signed up.

Maybe see a person who helps people with Medicare. They are out there and a lot of people use them. They can also help with Advantage vs. gap insurance. Just don't expect any help from her employer.

Can the Human Resources department of her employer offer any guidance?

So I'm guessing no they can't help. I tell her to check with the insurance section of HR.

Google will show "suggested" sites that are scams.

Signing up up after 65, during the special enrollment period that begins when your work insurance ends is kind of a nightmare - especially if the initial enrollment period and the special enrollment period overlap. The rules are complex, and no one I was able to reach at Medicare could give me accurate advice until AFTER they rejected my special enrollment application because my initial enrollment period had not expired. That person at least was able to (accurately) tell me that when the enrollment periods overlap, the rules of the initial enrollment period governs.

(And whenever you enroll - making the once in a lifetime choice of which supplement plan to choose is straightforward, but a gamble, so it takes time to pick which insurance company is likely to cost you least over the rest of your life.)

I spent about 200 hours sorting out these two points.

if so, she should sign up only for Part A, which is free, and sign up for Part B when she stops working

hopefully Trump.2 has not yet fucked that up

... indicating that she was on an employer health plan. It's a very standard thing for HR to provide.

but I didn't have to show that proof until I had actually stopped working and was applying for Part B. Didn't need that to apply for Part A alone

From what I understand, they are not affiliated with any of the insurance companies. They helped my 84 year old mom when I had no idea how to advise her. She says the lady that helped her was very patient, and knew how to direct my mom through this confusing morass that is Medicare and any of the Advantage plans.

Mom's PPO that she had for the last few years no longer offers in our area, so she had to find an HMO (sucks, but that is where we are, I think PPOs are going by bye all over the country)

Chapter: 706-312-8635

I'm pretty sure it is a Non-profit org. Good Luck!

(I'm going to have to do this myself next year)

Free videos covering all aspects of Medicare and what choices could be best for you:

https://youtube.com/@medicareschool?si=83Ddg8MI8oBW-4PA

Very detailed, many topics, clear, and up to date

Hi Figaroasmom,

I highly recommend you call Medicare to get the facts and get assistance. Do not do an internet search for their number, use the number from your Medicare statements, as search engines are compromised now and I find it hard to figure out what is valid and what is a scam.

I have had several interactions with Medicare and the staff are always incredibly helpful.

A relative delayed getting Part B as he had insurance coverage and then ended up with the permanent penalty. It appears there are exceptions, but you need to speak with someone at Medicare to get the facts for your daughter-in- law’s particular situation. You do need to have a little time and patience to wait on hold. I have found calling first thing in the morning minimizes the wait.

This is a quote from the Medicare site about Part B penalties I did not include a link, as I do not have my Medicare paperwork in front of me to make sure it is the valid website. Just check your Medicare statements for phone numbers and the website address.)

“ It’s important to sign up for Medicare coverage during your Initial Enrollment Period, unless you have other coverage that’s similar in value to Medicare (like from an employer). If you don’t, you may have to pay an extra amount, called a late enrollment penalty.

Late enrollment penalties:
Are added to your monthly premium.
Are not a one-time late fee.
Are usually charged for as long as you have that type of coverage (for most people, that’s a lifetime penalty). The Part A penalty is different.
Go up the longer you wait to sign up – they’re based on how long you go without coverage similar to Medicare. Find out when you should sign up to avoid penalties.”

Medicare is wonderful and the staff are there to help folks enroll.

They are patient and knowledgeable. They know what they’re talking about. They will understand the specific situation. Go to the source.

That's what I did when I was enrolling in coverage for my mom in her final years and then later helping my sister through the process.

I just took the initiative since healthcare falls under my responsibility (he takes care of many other things; we kind of have a system after all our years together). So anyway, I called my local SS office. I talked to a rep in that office (not the 800 national number), which is literally a mile from our house. She walked me through everything and it was all done over the phone and by US mail. It was a little stressful, but it worked with no major issues and I never had to leave the house. I also did not create an online acct because the hubby didn't want one.