How do I stop my Medicare Part B?

Editor’s Note: Last week’s column about the “plastic Medicare card” scam stated that the most recent Medicare card update was in April of 2019. In fact, the rollout began in April 2018 and was completed 3 months prior to the scheduled completion date of April 2019. We apologize for any confusion.

Dear Toni,

Can you please explain what one turning 65 and working full-time with employer benefits should do? I made a big mistake enrolling in Medicare when I turned 65 in May and my Part B premium has exploded because of what my income is. I would like to know how I can stop my Medicare Part B. Thanks, Toni.

--Tiffany from League City, Texas

Hi Tiffany:

I have good news for you because your Medicare situation is simple. Medicare does allow those turning 65 with employer benefits to delay Part B enrollment without a penalty when you want to enroll in Medicare later. This information is discussed in the Medicare & You handbook on page 19 under “I have other health coverage. Should I get Part B.” Delaying Medicare does require you to have employer group health coverage from your or your spouse’s employment.

Tiffany, Social Security processes the paperwork for Medicare and must interview you to terminate your enrollment in Medicare Parts A and/or B. You can start this process by calling your local Social Security office or Social Security’s toll-free number at (800) 772-1213. Inform the representative that you need to terminate your Medicare because you are enrolled in an employer’s group health plan and mistakenly enrolled in Medicare. You will need to file Form CMS-1763 with Social Security to terminate Medicare Part A (hospital) or Part B (medical).

Below are Medicare enrollment situations that “Do Matter”:

-- A Working Spouse: Does It Matter? If the working spouse is providing health insurance benefits from their current employment group health coverage, then you may want to delay enrolling in Medicare Part B. You might continue to work either part-time or as a self-employed individual while taking advantage of the coverage provided by your working spouse.

-- Self-Employed: Does It Matter? Yes, it does. If you are turning 65, not covered under an employer’s group health plan, and waited to enroll in Medicare Part B, then you can receive a 10% penalty for each 12-month period that you were not enrolled in Part B after turning 65. If you waited 2 years to apply for Original Medicare Parts A and B, the Medicare Part B penalty will be a 20% penalty (2 years, ages 65 and 66) added to your Part B premium every month for as long as that you are on Medicare or the rest of your life.

Below are different options for enrolling in Medicare when turning 65:

1. Turning 65 and “still working”: Talk to your (or your spouse’s) employer’s human resources department. Verify whether you should delay enrolling in Part B because you (or your spouse) are “still working” and are on an employer group health plan. As soon as you or your spouse are no longer covered by an employer’s group health plan, have the HR department fill out and sign Social Security Form CMS-L564 “Request for Employment Information” and CMS-40B “Application for Medicare Part B.” Filing these forms together will justify your delay in enrollment and avoid needless penalties.

2. Turning 65 and receiving your Social Security check: This is the easiest way to receive your Medicare card. Medicare will send your Medicare card 90 days before you turn 65.

3. Turning 65 and NOT receiving a Social Security check: If you are still working, or if you are not working but waiting past 65 to receive 100% of your Social Security benefits, enroll in Medicare online at www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up. Be sure to enroll in Medicare 90 days before you turn 65.

Remember with Medicare, it’s what you don’t know that WILL hurt you!

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Toni King is an author and columnist on Medicare and health insurance issues. She has spent nearly 30 years as a top sales leader in the field. For a Medicare checkup, call the Toni Says call center at (832) 519-8664 or email info@tonisays.com regarding your Medicare plans and options. Toni Says Medicare Survival Guide Advanced edition is available at www.tonisays.com. Toni’s Medicare Moments articles have just been released: https://familytalktoday.com/medicare-moments.