Ask Larry

What Can I Do To Correct My Part B Enrollment Month?

I had to change my start date for Social Security twice: once so it would match my retirement date, the second time ( a day later) because my employer offered an early retirement incentive of $40K, for which I was eligible, if I delayed retirement for one month - (til Sept. 1st. 2018).
I made it clear to the rep that my retirement and Medicare B start months must be the same due to continued health coverage from my employer in retirement, in this case September,

When I got home I saw that she noted Oct. pay date is for SEPTEMBER benefits which is correct.

BUT SHE ALSO PUT OCTOBER FOR MEDICARE B.

It should become effective in SEPTEMBER when my SS benefits start.

Both people who helped me warned that I already had changed date twice and I wouldn't be able to make any more changes.

I would appreciate any advice you might have to get this corrected.

Thank you.

Hi,

You don't mention your birthdate, so I'm not sure if that's part of the problem. You can't always pick the date you want to start Part B coverage because the start date depends on what type of enrollment period you sign up in and when during the enrollment period you apply.

Assuming that you applied at least 4 months after the month you turned age 65, then you are apparently enrolling in a special enrollment period (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0600805275). If that's true then you should be able to choose to start your Part B coverage any month from the month you apply through the 3rd month after that.

As long as your age and enrollment period allows you to select September as your month to begin Part B coverage then you should be able to change your month of enrollment either by amending your application or by submitting a new Part B application form (https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/CMS-Forms/CMS-Forms/Downloads/CMS40B-E.pdf). Regardless of what you may have been told, there is no set limit on the number of times that you can change your month of enrollment in Part B of Medicare, provided that you're still in an enrollment period that allows you to make a change.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jun 16 2018 - 5:24pm
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