Medicare Part B for Seniors Leaving the Workforce

Help seniors get Medicare Part B when they leave the workplace

With national economic uncertainty, the shuttering of entire industries, and massive layoffs occurring, we understand that a number of those leaving the workforce are Medicare-eligible.  With many local social security offices closed, questions abound as to how laid-off seniors are to initiate Medicare enrollment. Share these instructions and be a huge help in their time of need:

Medicare Part B Application

Seniors who have Medicare Part A and initially refused Part B because of group health coverage have an 8-month Special Election Period to sign up.  There are a couple of ways this can be accomplished:

1. Manual Option
   1. Complete this form
   2. Submit to local social security office (probably “officially” closed due to COVID-19)
      1. If closed, fax application to the local office
         1. Local SSA office info can be found here
         2. If the fax number is not listed, you may have to call 1-800-772-1213
         3. Even while closed, local offices are supposed to be staffed with at least one person to process requests and applications
2. Online Option
   1. Begin the process here
   2. They will be required to log in (or create an account) at my Social Security

Required Employer Information

To prove that the senior has a valid Special Election Period, CMS Form L564 must also be completed.  This form must be completed by a representative of the senior’s former employer.  The completed form will need to be submitted along with the application for Medicare Part B.

Upon submission of the completed documents, the senior’s Medicare Part B should be effective on the first day of the following month. This is also when a Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage Plan, or Medicare Part D Plan can become effective.

Use these times of uncertainty to be a helping hand and a guide through difficult transitions.