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Medicare Part B Enrollment

Most people new to Medicare are automatically enrolled because they are receiving Social Security when they become eligible. But a growing number are not and must enroll on their own, taking into consideration specific timelines, intricate rules, and existing coverage. Mistakes are common and carry serious consequences, such as lifelong financial penalties, high out-of-pocket costs, disruptions in care, and gaps in coverage. Yet, few remedies are available to help beneficiaries correct honest missteps. The Medicare Rights Center supports reducing the likelihood of mistakes—including by simplifying the enrollment process and better empowering beneficiary decision-making—and improving relief opportunities for those who need them.

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Social Security Administration Learning Agenda Request for Information

March 2, 2023

Medicare enrollment can be a difficult and daunting task. Year after year, among our most frequent helpline calls are from or on behalf of people trying to navigate this confusing system. Missteps are common and have serious repercussions—yet few remedies exist. As part of its Learning Agenda, we encourage the Social Security Administration (SSA) to explore ways to prevent and cure Medicare enrollment errors, including by examining gaps in consumer education, enrollment outreach, and data collection.

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Medicare Part B Enrollment: Pitfalls and Solutions

March 1, 2023

While most people newly eligible for Medicare are automatically enrolled in Part B—because they are collecting Social Security retirement benefits at or before age 65—a growing number are working later in life and deferring their Social Security benefits. Unlike those who are auto-enrolled, these individuals must make an active Medicare enrollment choice, taking into consideration specific timelines and existing coverage. If this transition is mismanaged, individuals new to Medicare may face lifetime late enrollment penalties, higher health care costs, gaps in coverage, and disruptions in care continuity.

Read More »

Social Security Administration Learning Agenda Request for Information

March 2, 2023

Medicare enrollment can be a difficult and daunting task. Year after year, among our most frequent helpline calls are from or on behalf of people trying to navigate this confusing system. Missteps are common and have serious repercussions—yet few remedies exist. As part of its Learning Agenda, we encourage the Social Security Administration (SSA) to explore ways to prevent and cure Medicare enrollment errors, including by examining gaps in consumer education, enrollment outreach, and data collection.

Medicare Part B Enrollment: Pitfalls and Solutions

March 1, 2023

While most people newly eligible for Medicare are automatically enrolled in Part B—because they are collecting Social Security retirement benefits at or before age 65—a growing number are working later in life and deferring their Social Security benefits. Unlike those who are auto-enrolled, these individuals must make an active Medicare enrollment choice, taking into consideration specific timelines and existing coverage. If this transition is mismanaged, individuals new to Medicare may face lifetime late enrollment penalties, higher health care costs, gaps in coverage, and disruptions in care continuity.