The Edmond Sun

Local News

Discussion

February 2, 2012

Medicare Part B deadline approaching

By Jose M. Olivero Special to The Sun

OKLA. CITY — If a resident didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B medical insurance when they first became eligible for Medicare, they now have an opportunity to apply — but time is running out. The deadline for applying during the general enrollment period is March 31. Missing the deadline, means eligible participants may have to wait until 2013 to apply.

Medicare Part B covers some medical expenses not covered by Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), such as doctors’ fees, outpatient hospital visits and other medical supplies and services.

When residents first become eligible for hospital insurance (Part A), they have a seven-month period in which to sign up for medical insurance (Part B). After that, they may have to pay a higher premium — unless they were covered through their current employer’s group health plan or a group health plan based on a spouse’s current employment. Eligible participants are given another opportunity to enroll in Part B during the general enrollment period, from Jan. 1 to March 31 of each year. But each 12-month period that they are eligible for Medicare Part B and do not sign up, the amount of their monthly premium increases by 10 percent.

There are special situations in which they can apply for Medicare Part B outside the general enrollment period. For example, an eligible participant should contact Social Security about applying for Medicare if:

• They are a disabled widow or widower between age 50 and age 65, but have not applied for disability benefits because they are already receiving another type of Social Security benefit;

• They worked long enough in a government job where Medicare taxes were paid and they meet the requirements of the Social Security disability program and became disabled before age 65;

• They, their spouse or their dependent child has permanent kidney failure;

• They had Medicare medical insurance (Part B) in the past but dropped the coverage; or

• They turned down Medicare medical insurance (Part B) when they became entitled to hospital insurance (Part A).

Residents can learn more about Medicare by reading an electronic booklet, Medicare at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html. Or visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov. Residents also may call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); TTY 1-877-486-2048.



JOSE M. OLIVERO is a Social Security public affairs specialist in Oklahoma City.

Text Only
Local News
  • $6.8B budget crosses final hurdle

    House members found enough votes late Thursday afternoon to approve the state’s $6.8 billion budget for next year by a vote of 52-42. This came after an earlier vote failed by four votes in the House Thursday morning.

    May 25, 2012

  • Santa Fe principal resigns

    Edmond Santa Fe High School principal Earl Kirkpatrick resigned Thursday to explore possibilities in the field of ministry. His last day is June 30.

    May 25, 2012

  • devin derrick 2012.jpg Hollywood dreams do come true: Edmondite develops film, music career

    It’s all about being in the right place at the right time.
    At least that is what Edmond resident and 1990 Edmond High School graduate Devin Derrick will tell you about his rise to fame in the music and movie businesses.

    May 25, 2012 1 Photo

  • ASK A LAWYER: Trusts provide options for difficult heirs

    Q: We have a grown daughter who has a gambling problem. We want to provide for her in our will, but also want to protect her share from being wasted after we die. How can we do this?
    A: Your situation is not unusual. Most of us know at least one person who has difficulty handling money for one reason or another.

    May 25, 2012

  • 5-26 Pets

    This is a list of animals that have been found and are at the Edmond Animal Shelter, at Interstate 35 and Covell in the Cross Timbers Municipal Complex. Call the shelter at 216-7615 for more information.

    May 25, 2012

  • 5-26 Police and Fire

    Information in this column is gathered from city fire incident logs and police incident reports.

    May 25, 2012

  • Make-A-Wish Oklahoma hosts Lexus raffle

    Make-A-Wish Oklahoma will once again partner with Lexus of Tulsa and Eskridge Lexus of Oklahoma City to raffle off a new Lexus, raising funds to support the organization’s efforts to grant the heartfelt wishes of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions in Oklahoma.

    May 25, 2012

  • Edmond youth are encouraged to make a difference

    The Edmond Youth Council programs are opportunities for students 15-18 years of age to learn about municipal government and potentially impact future city policies.

    May 25, 2012

  • Hiebert graduates from Field Artillery training

    Army Pfc. Cody A. Hiebert has graduated from the Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Sill, Lawton.

    May 25, 2012

  • arcadia lake 3.jpg Police: Comply with lake rules during holiday period

    Summer vacation, hot days and a holiday weekend spell heavier traffic on Arcadia Lake, and police want to remind guests about rules and what happens if you break them.
    May 23 was the last day of school for Edmond Public Schools and the long Memorial Day holiday period has come.

    May 25, 2012 6 Photos