How to Refuse Medicare Part B

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for America's aged and disabled. It consists of hospital insurance (Part A), major medical coverage (Part B), a Medicare Advantage managed-care option (Medicare Advantage or Part C) and prescription drug coverage (Part D).

Many beneficiaries who work (or have working spouses) elect to obtain the free Part A coverage, retain their employer health benefits and delay enrollment in Part B and prescription drug coverage. The Part B and Part D late enrollment penalties are independent of one another, so it is important to make each enrollment decision separately.

Things You'll Need

• Medicare enrollment card

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Carefully review the Welcome to Medicare booklet in the Resources section to determine whether refusing Part B will result in a late enrollment penalty. This primarily applies to individuals without employer coverage.

  The late enrollment penalty can add an additional 10 percent to your Part B premiums for as long as you receive Part B benefits.

• 2

  Check the box next to "I don't want medical insurance" on the enrollment card enclosed in the Medicare welcome packet.

• 3

  Sign the card and mail the entire form (with the card) in the enclosed self-addressed envelope. A sample of the card is contained in the Resources section. Medicare will send you a new card showing that you have Part A, but not Part B, coverage.

• 4

  If you were not automatically enrolled and have not received a welcome packet, contact your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to enroll by telephone or set up an appointment.

  To find an SSA office, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov and select "Find a Social Security Office" from the menu on the left side of the screen. This should be done approximately three months before your 65th birthday, even if you do not plan to retire.

• 5

  You can delay Part D coverage and enroll later without a late enrollment penalty if your employer coverage is equivalent to or better than the "standard" Part D plan. Contact your employer to determine whether your policy meets this test.

  Select a prescription drug plan (if you wish to receive drug coverage). The Part D plan finder in the Resources section is a convenient tool for comparing benefits, premiums and ratings for Part D plans.