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How Did You Automatically Get Enrolled In Medicare?

Medicare is a unique type of health insurance because you do not always have to sign up to get it.

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How Did You Automatically Get Enrolled In Medicare?

Medicare is a unique type of health insurance because you do not always have to sign up to get it. Once you turn 65, you will become eligible. If you are already collecting social security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled into what is known as Original Medicare. There is nothing you need to do.

 

The coverage will begin on the first day of the month in which you turn 65 unless you were born on the first of the month. If that is the case, your coverage will begin on the first day of the previous month. You will get alerted to your coverage automatically in the mail by envelope with your Medicare card enclosed. It is mailed out around three months before your 65th birthday.

For many, Original Medicare is far from complete coverage. It is up to you to decide what changes or additions to your healthcare coverage are necessary. If you are still working, it is also up to you to decide whether you would like to continue using the health insurance offered through your employer or not.

 

With a decade of experience in the healthcare insurance space, I have talked to thousands of Medicare-eligible individuals. In order to make the best decision on what is right for you, you will need a lot of information. This includes an understanding of what each part within Medicare actually covers.

What does Medicare cover?

There are four parts to Medicare. Part A provides coverage while you are admitted to the hospital as an inpatient. Part B includes coverage for medical expenses for things such as a doctor’s visit, preventative testing, medical equipment and outpatient surgeries and procedures. Part C is known as Medicare Advantage and is another way to get your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company instead of the federal government. Finally, Part D is your prescription drug plan. Original Medicare includes Parts A and Part B only.

Medicare Part a
Covered
Not Covered
  • Inpatient hospitalization
  • Skilled nursing facility 
  • Home health care
  • Hospice care
  • some blood transfusion costs
  • Lab tests and other medically necessary procedures (X-Rays)
  • Other hospital services and supplies
  • doctor visits
  • long term home nursing care (100 < days)
  • Personal care items such as specific hygiene items
  • television inside your room
  • blood transfusion costs
  • inpatient hospitalization
  • Hospital expenses that are past your lifetime reserve days
Medicare Part b
Covered
Not Covered
  • Outpatient medical services 
  • Doctor visits (Primary/Specialist/Preventative care)
  • Outpatient surgeries
  • Durable medical equipment 
  • Expensive treatments like chemotherapy 
  • Ambulance services
  • doctor visits
  • long term home nursing care (100 < days)
  • Personal care items such as specific hygiene items
  • television inside your room
  • blood transfusion costs
  • inpatient hospitalization
  • Hospital expenses that are past your lifetime reserve days

What are the benefits?

It may seem intrusive to get enrolled in healthcare without asking for it, but there is a big benefit to it. The benefit to automatic enrollment of Original Medicare is that you do not have to worry about missing your window to gain access. It can also serve as a reminder to review your health insurance and revise the coverage to be more aligned with your specific healthcare needs. Many beneficiaries tackle this process by working with a qualified Medicare insurance agent. They stay on top of all the ins and outs of Medicare so you don’t have to.

Automatic enrollment may also offer you a reduced monthly cost in coverage when compared to your current healthcare coverage. Without the automatic enrollment, I have seen beneficiaries who later found out that they missed the financial savings of not having enrolled into Medicare sooner. The Part A of Medicare is typically free to everyone who is eligible, and the standard monthly premium for Part B is $148.50 in 2021.

What are the drawbacks?

The only drawback to getting auto enrolled into Original Medicare is for those who do not research their options. Having only Part A and Part B for coverage is often not enough. Based on those I have spoken to, assuming Original Medicare will cover all of your healthcare needs can prove problematic down the road. Also, those looking to supplement Original Medicare with a Medigap Supplement plan will typically only have a six-month window to apply without health conditions taken into consideration. Receiving your Medicare card in the mail is not the end of the road, but just the beginning.

How does enrollment work?

The only drawback to getting auto enrolled into Original Medicare is for those who do not research their options. Having only Part A and Part B for coverage is often not enough. Based on those I have spoken to, assuming Original Medicare will cover all of your healthcare needs can prove problematic down the road. Also, those looking to supplement Original Medicare with a Medigap Supplement plan will typically only have a six-month window to apply without health conditions taken into consideration. Receiving your Medicare card in the mail is not the end of the road, but just the beginning.

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We want to help you through your enrollment, so that’s why we’re offering one of the most complete Medicare books ever made at no cost to you. Visit our book page by clicking the button below to get your free copy.

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About Greg Gurbikian

Gregory Gurbikian is the co-founder and President/CEO of Healthcare Solutions Direct, LLC . With over 12 years of experience in the industry, Greg is dedicated to simplifying the process for both its customers and employees.

Under his leadership and vision, Healthcare Solutions Direct, LLC has become one of the nations top agencies servicing the more than 44 million beneficiaries on Medicare. With close to 11,000 people a day turning 65, those on Medicare are projected to rise to over 79 million by 2030. Healthcare Solutions Direct, LLC is poised with cutting edge technology and training to help service the transition of those going onto Medicare from start to finish. .

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