In Iowa, you can apply for Medicare in person, over the phone, or online. You may qualify for automatic enrollment if you receive disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
If you have received benefits from Social Security for at least 24 months, your Medicare card will be sent by mail. If you don’t qualify for automatic enrollment, you’ll need to apply during your Initial Enrollment Period or any other applicable period. The application process for Medicare in Iowa is similar to other states.
Original Medicare
The first step is to confirm you are eligible to enroll in Medicare. If you are eligible to enroll but do not qualify for automatic enrollment, you can sign up through your Initial Enrollment Period. You can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and B) online through SocialSecurity.gov.
To apply for Original Medicare online, visit the Medicare section on the Social Security website and create an account. You will be required to put in information such as your name, date of birth, Social Security number, etc. After applying, you can check the status through your Social Security account. You’ll see when the application is received, processed, and approved.
You can also apply for Medicare over the phone by calling the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
If you prefer to apply in person, you can set up an appointment with your local Social Security office. However, many find that applying online is the quickest and easiest way to apply.
Medicare Advantage
Once you have applied and enrolled in Original Medicare, you can join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. You can join a Medicare Advantage during your Initial Enrollment Period after signing up for Original Medicare. You can also switch to Medicare Advantage during the Annual Enrollment Period, from October 15 through December 7.
Part D/Medigap
There is no automatic enrollment for Part D. If you need prescription drug coverage, you’ll have to apply when you are eligible. To enroll in Part D, you must have Medicare Part A and/or Part B and can do so during your Initial Enrollment Period. You’ll also have the option of joining or switching Part D plans during the Annual Enrollment Period.
To join Medigap (Medicare Supplements), you must be enrolled in Original Medicare. The best time to get a Medigap plan is to join during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which lasts for six months. It starts as soon as you are 65 and your Part B coverage is effective.
For more information about Medicare coverage, contact us at Midwest Medigap today.
