Q

I didn’t enroll in Medicare Part B back when my Part A started a few years ago. Can I enroll now?

A

It depends. The general enrollment period for Medicare Part B, medical insurance, begins January 1 and runs through March 31. Keep in mind that, although there is no monthly premium for Medicare Part A, there will be a premium for your Medicare Part B. And in most cases, that premium goes up each 12-month period you were eligible for it and elected not to enroll. If you are covered by a group healthcare plan based on your employment or the employment of a spouse, you may qualify for a special enrollment. For more information, please read our “Medicare” booklet, or talk to your personnel office before you decide.

Q

What can I do if my Medicare prescription drug plan says it won’t pay for a drug that my doctor prescribed for me?

A

If your Medicare prescription drug plan decides that it won’t pay for a prescription drug, it must tell you in writing why the drug isn’t covered in a letter called a “Notice of Denial of Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.” Read the notice carefully because it will explain how to ask for an appeal. Your prescribing doctor can ask your Medicare drug plan for an expedited redetermination (first level appeal) for you, if the doctor tells the plan that waiting for a standard appeal decision may seriously harm your health.

To find out more about Medicare, visit online at:
www.medicare.gov  |  www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare

For visits and appointments at your nearest SSA office,
call from 7am–5pm, Mon–Fri: 1-800-772-1213 (toll free)
or visit www.socialsecurity.gov

Medicare booklet:
https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10043.pdf