Ask Larry

How Do I Change My Part B Starting Date?

my part b medicare starts june 1,2020.I would like to change it to april 1 of 2020 or if not to may 1. How do I do that

Hi,

I can't give you a specific answer because I don't what type of enrollment period you're in. Whether or not starting your Part B of Medicare coverage sooner is even an option for you depends on the type of enrollment period you're in. if you're just turning age 65, you'd be in your initial enrollment period (IEP). IEPs begin with the 3rd month prior to the month a person turns 65, and runs through the 3rd month after they turn 65.

If you enroll in Part B of Medicare during your IEP, the month that your coverage starts is determined by the month you apply. If you apply during the 3 months preceding your birth month, your Part B coverage starts with your birth month. If you apply in the month you reach age 65, your Part B coverage starts the month after the month you reach 65. If you apply in the month after the month you reach age 65, your Part B coverage starts in the 2nd month after the month of your application. And, if you apply in the last 2 months of your IEP, your Part B coverage starts effective with the 3rd month after the month you apply.

If you're past age 65 and you delayed enrolling in Part B because you had coverage through your employer, then you may be eligible for a special enrollment period (SEP). SEPs continue for 8 months after a person's employer health coverage ends. Within an SEP, a person can enroll in Part B effective with their month of application or any of the following 3 months.

If a person is past age 65 and ineligible for an IEP or SEP, they can enroll in Part B in a general enrollment period (GEP). GEPs occur annually from January through March, and if you enroll in a GEP your Part B coverage starts effective with July 1st of the year you enroll. (https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Eligibility-and-Enrollment/OrigMedicarePart...).

If changing your initial month of Part B coverage is possible in your case, you'll likely need to submit a new form CMS-40B (https://www.cms.gov/cms40b-application-enrollment-part-b) along with any required documentation. You should probably first contact Social Security to see what options are available to you.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Mar 31 2020 - 4:08pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.