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How-to · Health care

Request a fast Medicare appeal when covered care is ending

A fast Medicare appeal may be available when covered care is ending or discharge is too soon. Follow the provider’s notice and its deadline.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Get the written noticeAsk for the Important Message from Medicare in a hospital, or the Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage in other covered settings. The latter should arrive at least two days before covered services end.
  2. Request review within the applicable deadlineIn a hospital follow the Important Message instructions no later than your scheduled discharge day. In other settings follow the non-coverage notice no later than noon the day before the listed termination date. Missing deadlines can change coverage and payment responsibility.
  • How-to

    Add Medicare Part B after employer coverage ends

    Health care
    1. Check the employer-coverage special enrollment periodIf active employer group coverage through you or your spouse covered you since 65 and ended within the last eight months, SSA says you can enroll in Part B without a penalty under this special enrollment period.
    2. Apply online or send the required formsApply online when ending employer coverage. For fax or mail, complete CMS-40B and, for the special enrollment period, CMS-L564; send completed forms to your Social Security office.
    Social Security Administration
  • How-to

    Apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help

    Health care
    1. Gather financial informationGather bank statements, tax returns, IRA or 401(k) balances, and statements for pensions, veterans benefits, annuities and Railroad Retirement Board benefits for you and your spouse.
    2. Apply online or arrange an appointmentApply through SSA’s online application, which asks about income and resources. For an appointment, call 800-772-1213 and ask to apply for Part D Extra Help.
    Social Security Administration
  • How-to

    Ask Social Security to lower a Medicare income surcharge

    Health care
    1. Use SSA-44 for a life-changing eventSign in to fill out and submit SSA-44, Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount–Life Changing Event. Listed events include marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, loss of income and an employer settlement payment.
    2. Use mail or fax if neededComplete SSA-44 and fax or mail it with evidence to a Social Security office.
    3. Call for an amended tax returnIf your request is based on an amended income-tax return, call 800-772-1213 and ask about lowering IRMAA.
    Social Security Administration