How to Drop Insurance for Medicare

With the rising costs of health care, it is vital to have health insurance. If you are over the age of 65, you qualify for Medicare, which is a government health insurance program. However, you can still qualify for Medicare if you are under the age of 65 under certain circumstances. If you do qualify for Medicare, you may need to cancel your current health insurance.

Instructions

• 1

  Apply for Medicare. Contact Medicare by calling 1-800-772-1213 or apply at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide the representative with your personal information, such as date of birth and Social Security number. The information you provide will determine if you qualify for Medicare. You should apply for Medicare at least three months before your 65th birthday. However, you can still qualify for Medicare if you are not 65 years old. If you have received Social Security disability for at least 24 months, receive a pension from the railroad, qualify for Social Security disability and have worked long enough in a government job where Medicare taxes were paid, are a child or a widower at least 50 years old and meet the Social Security disabililty qualifications, you can qualify for Medicare. When you apply for Medicare, indicate which parts of Medicare you would like to receive. There are four parts of Medicare that you can apply for. Medicare Part A covers hospital care, skilled nursing and hospice care. Medicare Part B covers doctor's fees, outpatient hospital fees and other medical visits and supplies not covered by Part A of Medicare. You will be automatically enrolled in Part B of Medicare, unless you opt out when you apply for Medicare. Medicare Part C helps to lower the costs of medical services by opting to receive all medical assistance through one organization. Medicare Part D is a prescription drug program.

• 2

  Await acceptance of Medicare. Your application could take a few weeks to process. Once you have been accepted or rejected, you will receive a letter in the mail from the Social Security Office. After acceptance, you should shortly receive your Medicare insurance card so that you can provide your medical provider with your new insurance information.

• 3

  Cancel your current health insurance plan. If you have an employer-sponsored health insurance program, contact your personnel or human resources department and cancel your health insurance coverage once your Medicare insurance becomes effective. If you have your own insurance through a private carrier, contact the company and cancel your coverage. If you are going to continue to work, you will not be able to get both Medicare A and B. You can sign up for Medicare Part B if you are going to continue to work. You can also obtain Medicare Part A benefits if you sign up for a Medicare risk plan, such as Secure Horizons or Seniority Plus.