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What Paperwork is Needed to Enroll in Medicare?

With the high costs of medical insurance in America, enrolling in Medicare can save retirees thousands on medical costs. To take part in this program, a person does not need to fill out any paperwork, depending on the capacity in which one wishes to enroll. Even for those who do need to fill out paperwork, the government makes enrolling in Medicare easy for doctors and patients.

  1. Significance

    • Medicare is aimed at those in retirement age (65) and the disabled of any age. As of 2008, about 44.8 million Americans are enrolled in the Medicare insurance program provided by the federal government; this includes 7.1 million disabled people younger than 65, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The median income for those who received approval after filing their paperwork was $20,400 in 2002.

    Types

    • Some private individuals may need to fill out paperwork to enroll in Medicare, but all doctors must also fill out an application to become a physician in the Medicare network, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. More paperwork exists for enrollment as a physician because of added verification of billing agents and identification of specialties and information about the private practice.

    Beneficiaries

    • For beneficiaries, enrollment in Medicare does not require any paperwork as long as the individual already receives a federal benefit such as Social Security; The enrollment period start three months before the 65 birthday, but coverage does not being until the recipient turns 65, reports Caring.org. The government will automatically send a Medicare card, which you only have to check yes to receive benefits. However, this only applies to Medicare Parts A & B. Part C requires an application and does not guarantee a spot. Those wishing to join Medicare Part D are guaranteed enrollment if they fill out paperwork during their initial enrollment period; approximately three months before they turn 65 to three months after they turn 65.

    For Care Providers

    • There are many different types of care providers--such as medical equipment suppliers and ambulance services--all of whom need to fill out an application to become a provider of services for Medicare, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. The most common form for physicians is CMS-855i. Since there are many types of provider forms, it is best to visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services form database.

    Prevention/Solution

    • The beneficiary needs to return their Medicare enrollment card before their 65th birthday, check yes and return the form attached with it immediately to reduce future paperwork and costs. Switching to Medicare after the initial enrollment period carries a 1 percent penalty on Part B for each year the person has missed enrollment. Doctors can cut down on paperwork time by using the online Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System, according to the American Academy of Neurology.

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