The Medicare system is a public health insurance program created by the federal government which is made available primarily to American citizens who are 65 years of age or older. Knowing and understanding that Medicare was created to help the elderly and people with particular disabilities does not mean that your senior clients know how to apply for the benefits they qualify for. As agents, it is our duty to educate and assist our senior citizen clients with the help and protection that can help them live more secure, healthier lives.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is typically constructed of four parts: A, B, C, and D. These multiple parts of Medicare offer different coverages to clients. Some seniors may have questions about which Medicare program is right for them.
Many senior customers may qualify for multiple plans within the Medicare program, which is usually a good thing since plan B was mainly constructed to compliment and add to plan A coverage. Part A offers coverage for inpatient needs, which includes hospital stays. Part B covers patient testing, vaccinations, X-rays, and blood work up to 80%.
Does my Senior Client Qualify for Medicare?
Medicare is available for citizens of the United States who are over 65 years of age or if they have been permanent residents in the U.S. for at least five years. However, some patients under 65 may also qualify for the program if they have been diagnosed with a qualifying disease or if they have received more than 24 months of disability benefits from the federal government.
How can I Help my Senior Clients Apply for Medicare?
When a person approaches the age of 65, it is time to apply for Medicare. While it is true that some people will receive Medicare automatically, this is not true for everyone. Applying before a client’s 65th birthday is essential; applying past the deadline may result in penalties or a lengthy approval of benefits.
Many senior citizens are not very computer savvy, and some even struggle with phone calls. This is the time for an agent to shine and offer their best insurance knowledge to valued clients.
Enrollment
The fastest and most straightforward way to enroll in Medicare benefits, particularly Part A and Part B, is by visiting www.ssa.gov. The website can walk you and your senior client through the process of applying and is likely a much faster way to receive benefits quickly.
Another option is to call the Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213. This number is available nationwide, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A Social Security employee can help assist you and your client via telephone and get the enrollment process going.
It is also possible to apply for Medicare in person via your local Social Security office. Before making the trip, make sure to have your client bring all of their required documentation in order to save them from making a second trip.
Documentation
In order to apply for Medicare benefits, your client will need to provide the following documentation:
⦁ Birth Certificate
⦁ Proof of citizenship or residency
⦁ Social Security Card
⦁ Tax Return
⦁ Military documents, if applicable
⦁ Current Health Insurance information
⦁ Medicare enrollment application
Final Thoughts
Senior citizens are valued members of our society, and as our clients, deserve the best help and coverage available to them. The professionals at American Senior Benefits specialize in assisting seniors with all of their insurance needs.
Their top priority is ensuring that every one of their clients has the best coverage and security that they can possibly have; this includes catering benefits to their lifestyles and budgets.
How Do I Learn More?
To learn more about assisting senior clients with their Medicare applications, contact the experts at American Senior Benefits. Our licensed experts will be happy to answer any questions you have.
