Medicare Enrollment Guide: 2024 Edition
By Paula Span
​Paula Span writes the biweekly New Old Age column.
​Published Nov. 20, 2022
​Updated Oct. 16, 2023
​
Open enrollment for Medicare plans began on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7. Here’s what older Americans need to know about shopping for health insurance.

This process is handled through your local Social Security office. These offices are currently closed but they are taking phone calls.  Reach out to me and I can provide you with the correct office and phone number to call based on your zip code.  Just go to my website:  www.medicareinlasvegas.com and fill out a contact form or call me at 702.403.6348

There are 3 Social Security offices in the Las Vegas Valley depending on the zip code you live in, offering in-person assistance.

If  you are filing for Medicare benefits for the first time and are past the initial filing age of 65 you need to call the local office and  complete some forms that I can provide.

Start the process by calling your local office and get the application started.  A  field agent can advise you on which forms and supporting documents you will need to submit. Request a “protected filing date” and proof of receipt from the office. This will create a record that you applied for benefits on that date, which could affect the date your coverage begins.

If you have not previously enrolled in Part A, you will need to do that, along with Part B.
Once you have signed up for Medicare you can contact me  at 702.403.6348 to find out more about additional benefits and supplemental options, including  Medigap policies, Medicare Part D, and/or Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage). You can also visit my website  www.medicareinlasvegas.com to review these options. 
Social Security  encourages the public to file for retirement benefits online– which includes the enrollment for Medicare A & B coverage.

 Form CMS-L564 is the mandatory form you must file to avoid penalties and to verify qualification of the special enrollment period. Employer and Culinary Unions usually prefer to complete their own CMS-L564 as they are from separate departments.  Social Security will require their respective signature and contact information. Once the application is submitted online, the claims specialist will be responsible for contacting you to communicate the submission of form CMS-L564.
 If you perfer, to file for benefits over the phone, please call the  teleservice centers at 800-772-1213.  Business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. local time to schedule an appointment and for general inquiries. During the appointment, you will be given instructions to submit form CMS-L564. Please be aware, they are experiencing longer than normal wait times and  will appreciate your patience.
 Feel free to contact me about Medicare Enrollment questions and for form CMS-L564.

David Karel
MedicareinLasVegas

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