I'm 65 and was planning to work until I turn 66 in December, however, after being furloughed from my job in April I felt there was a strong possibility I would be laid off so I applied for Social Security retirement in May 2020. when I was asked when I wanted Medicare Part B to start I said July 1st.

I was correct to be concerned about being laid off because it happened on July 8. I called Social Security to see what I need to do and found out that my Part B start date was entered as 07/01/2021. I explained what happened and asked how to get this corrected I was told to contact the local office. Can the start date be changed?

Hi,

The answer depends on whether or not you were covered by an qualified employer group health plan (EGHP) since you turned 65. If you were, you should be eligible for a Part B special enrollment period (SEP). An SEP starts with the first month that you no longer have EGHP coverage as an active employee, and continues for 8 months. So, if your EGHP coverages ended July 8th, you could apply in July and elect to start your Part B coverage effective as early as July 1st. Or, if your EGHP coverage ends July 31st, you could apply in either July or August and start your Part B coverage effective August 1st.

Social Security would need proof of your EGHP coverage if you sign up in an SEP, which consists of your employer completing a form CMS-L564 (https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/CMS-Forms/CMS-Forms/Downloads/CMS-L564E.pdf). You'll also need to complete and submit a form CMS40B application form to Social Security. Social Security can provide the forms upon request.

If you didn't have EGHP coverage, then July 1 2021 would be the earliest you could get Part B coverage. Your initial enrollment period (IEP) ends at the end of the 3rd month after the month you reach age 65, and if you don't apply in your IEP then unless you're eligible for an SEP you can only enroll in Part B in a general enrollment period (GEP). GEPs occur in the first 3 months of each calendar year (i.e. January - March), and if you apply in a GEP your coverage starts effective with the following July 1st.

When you filed for Part B coverage in May 2020, it was considered as an advance 2021 GEP enrollment, which is why your Part B coverage is scheduled for July 1 2021. However, you can get that date changed if you're eligible for an SEP.

Best, Jerry