Medicare Part A & B
Commonly referred to as Original Medicare. Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps cover inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Part A also pays for some home health care and hospice care.
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) helps cover medically necessary doctors’ services, outpatient care, home health services, durable medical equipment, mental health services, limited outpatient prescription drugs and other medical services. Part B also covers many preventive services.
You may be able to delay Part B enrollment without incurring a late enrollment penalty if you have other creditable coverage, such as through an employer. If you choose to delay enrollment in Medicare Part B, you will need to show proof of creditable coverage when signing up at a later date.
If you are currently drawing social security benefits or railroad retirement, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B. You can opt out of Part B if you are still actively employed, participating in an employer-based coverage that is considered creditable by Medicare standards. To opt out of Part B, contact Social Security.
If you are NOT currently drawing benefits from social security or railroad retirement, you will NOT be automatically enrolled in Medicare.
To enroll with Social Security, visit your local office or apply online at https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up .
To enroll with the Railroad Retirement Board, call your local office or 1-877-772-5772. For more information on Medicare for Railroad Workers and Their Families, visit: https://www.rrb.gov/Benefits/Medicare/GeneralInfoMedicare/RB20