I turned 65 in june..I applied for medicare part a only online.refused b because I have group coverage and still working. My IEP lasts till September 30. I have since learned group coverage is going up due to company merger.so now I want to apply for part b while still in IEP. SS said cannot be done online..must mail CSM 40 B form.my question is can I state when I want b to start in remarks section..or will I have to pay retro from month I turned 65..I will remain on group plan till b kicks in..don't want to pay double insurance. Ty

Hi. No, if you apply for Part B of Medicare during your initial enrollment period (IEP), the month that your coverage begins is not optional. If you apply during any of the 3 months prior to the month you reach age 65, your Part B coverage begins effective with the 1st day of the month you turn 65. If you apply in the month that you reach age 65, your coverage starts the first day of the following month. If you apply in the month after the month you reach age 65, your coverage starts effective with the first day of the 3rd month after you turn age 65. If you apply in the second month after the month you reach age 65, your coverage starts effective with the 1st day of the fifth month after you turn age 65. And, if you apply in the 3rd month after you turn age 65, your Part B coverage begins effective with the 1st day of the 6th month after you turn age 65 (https://doi.nebraska.gov/sites/doi.nebraska.gov/files/doc/Initial%20Enro...).

Best, Jerry