Medicare provides health insurance for Americans aged 65 and older as well as younger people with disabilities. But with different parts, plans, and enrollment periods, Medicare can be complex to navigate. If you are approaching Medicare eligibility or have had it for a while, you may be unsure of your current coverage status. How do you know if you actually have Medicare? Here are some tips to check your Medicare enrollment and understand your benefits.
Review Your Medicare Card
The most straightforward way to confirm your Medicare coverage is to check your Medicare card. This red, white, and blue card shows whether you have Part A, Part B, or both. It also displays your Medicare number, which is important for accessing care and billing services.
If your card says you have:
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) – You have coverage for inpatient hospital, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health services.
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) – You have coverage for doctor visits, preventive care, durable medical equipment, lab tests, X-rays, mental health care, ambulatory surgery and more.
- Parts A and B – You have coverage for all of the above Part A and Part B benefits.
- Medicare Advantage Plan – You have enrolled in Medicare Part C, which bundles all your Medicare benefits together in one plan offered by a private insurer.
If you cannot locate your card, you can request a replacement from Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Check Your Medicare Plan Materials
If you have enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, or Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance, check any materials you have from those plans. Your membership card, welcome kit information, billing statements, or other documents will provide details on what benefits you have.
For example, a plan card for Aetna Medicare SM Plan (PPO) confirms you have a Medicare Advantage Plan with Part D prescription drug coverage. Or a UnitedHealthcare Supplement Plan card shows you have a Medigap Plan plus Original Medicare. Review all materials from private insurers to verify your Medicare-related benefits.
Call Medicare
You can call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to check on your enrollment status. This number connects you with a Medicare representative 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When you call, make sure to have your Medicare number from your card ready. You will need to verify some personal information like your date of birth and address. Then the representative can provide details on:
- Whether you have Part A, Part B, Part C, and/or Part D
- When your coverage started
- Any penalties or late enrollment details
- What supplemental benefits you might have
Speaking directly with a Medicare agent provides an easy way to get answers about your current Medicare coverage.
Check Your Medicare Online Status
For tech-savvy Medicare beneficiaries, the fastest way to look up your Medicare enrollment information is online. Go to www.Medicare.gov and click “Sign In/Up” to access your secure Medicare account.
If you do not have an account yet, go through the steps to create one. This involves entering your Medicare number, some personal details, and setting up authentication.
Once you’ve checked online, you can view or print an official copy of your Medicare card showing your coverage. You can also see enrollment details for prescription drug and Medicare Advantage Plans you joined.
Checking your status online only takes a few minutes and allows you to view and download plan documents.
Understand Your Medicare Eligibility
In some cases, you may be unsure if you have Medicare simply because you haven’t enrolled yet. Medicare eligibility occurs automatically for most people when they turn 65, as long as you are a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
You become eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. If your birthday is on the first day of a month, your Medicare begins on the first day of the prior month.
You get Part A premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare payroll taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). You can also purchase Part A if you don’t qualify premium-free. Medicare Part B has a standard premium ($164.90 in 2022).
People younger than 65 can get Medicare after receiving disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for 2 years. Those with ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease also qualify for Medicare earlier.
So in most cases, you automatically have Medicare Part A coverage starting the month you turn 65. You need to enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid lifelong penalties.
When Does Medicare Coverage Begin?
Your Medicare start date depends on your eligibility and enrollment:
- Age 65 – Coverage starts the first day of the month you turn 65. Sign up for Part B during the 3 months before to the 3 months after your birthday month.
- Disability – Coverage starts automatically after getting disability benefits for 24 months.
- ALS – Coverage starts the month your Social Security disability benefits begin.
- ESRD – Coverage usually starts the first day of the 4th month of dialysis treatment.
- Enrollment – Part B and Part D coverage begins the month after you enroll. Medicare Advantage Plans begin the following calendar month.
Knowing when you became eligible can help narrow down when your Medicare coverage likely started if you are uncertain.
Contact Social Security
Social Security determines eligibility and automatically enrolls most people in Medicare Part A and Part B when they turn 65. If you cannot confirm your Medicare status through other methods, reach out to the Social Security Administration.
You can call 800-772-1213 to speak with a representative about your Medicare enrollment and eligibility details. When you call, have your Social Security number ready along with your date of birth, and any past addresses or name changes.
Social Security can look up your file, verify your Medicare status, and explain if and when you will be automatically enrolled based on age, disability benefits, or other qualifying factors.
Key Takeaways
There are a few easy ways to check if you have Medicare coverage:
- Review your Medicare card for Part A, Part B, Part C or Part D
- Check plan materials from any Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D Plan
- Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask a representative
- Check your enrollment status online at Medicare.gov
- Understand when you became eligible for Medicare based on your age or disability
- Contact Social Security if you cannot confirm coverage details elsewhere
Knowing your Medicare status ensures you can use your benefits correctly and prevent any gaps in coverage. Check regularly to see if you need to enroll in additional parts of Medicare to supplement your existing coverage.
We’re Here to Help
You do not have to spend hours reading articles on the internet to get answers to your Medicare questions. Give Scott Sims at Sims Insurance Medicare Plans a Call at (541) 915-0939. You will get the answers you seek in a matter of minutes, with no pressure and no sales pitch. We are truly here to help.
FAQs
How can I check if I’m enrolled in Medicare coverage?
To check if you are enrolled in Medicare coverage, you can do the following:
Can I be automatically enrolled in Medicare?
Yes, in some cases you can be automatically enrolled in Medicare. For example, if you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65.
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is a type of health plan offered by private insurance companies. It comes with all the benefits that Original Medicare provides (Part A and Part B) and may offer additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage and wellness programs.
How can I enroll in Medicare?
You can enroll in Medicare by visiting the official Medicare website or by calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. You can also apply for Medicare by visiting your local Social Security office.
Can I check the status of my Medicare enrollment online?
Yes, you can check the status of your Medicare enrollment online. Simply log in to your Medicare account on the official website and you will be able to view the status of your enrollment.
Can I apply for Medicare if I have private insurance?
Yes, you can apply for Medicare even if you have private insurance. However, it is important to note that having private insurance may affect your eligibility for certain Medicare programs and may also impact your out-of-pocket costs.
What is a premium-free Medicare?
Premium-free Medicare refers to the situation where you are not required to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A. Most people qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A if they have worked and paid Medicare taxes for a certain number of years.
What is a Medicare beneficiary?
A Medicare beneficiary is a person who is eligible for and enrolled in Medicare. Medicare beneficiaries are entitled to receive benefits under the Medicare program, including coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs.
How can I get my Medicare card?
Once you are enrolled in Medicare, you will automatically receive a Medicare card in the mail. If you have not received your card or if you need a replacement card, you can contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 to request one.
What are Medicare premiums?
Medicare premiums are the monthly fees that you must pay to receive Medicare coverage. The amount of your premiums will depend on the specific Medicare Plans you choose and your income.
