Full Transcript for Medicare Automatic Enrollment vs. Manual Enrollment | What’s the Difference?

WEBVTT 00:00:00.080 --> 00:00:02.959 Hey, thanks for joining us on the podcast with Elite Insurance Partners. 00:00:03.279 --> 00:00:06.400 Yeah, we are really excited to get into today's deep dive. 00:00:06.719 --> 00:00:12.000 Exactly, because today we are taking a close look at the nuances of transitioning to Medicare. 00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:12.480 Right. 00:00:12.640 --> 00:00:16.719 Specifically looking at automatic versus manual enrollment. 00:00:17.199 --> 00:00:24.800 Which sounds a bit dry, but our mission here is really to help you confidently navigate your healthcare options as you approach 65. 00:00:25.120 --> 00:00:34.399 Exactly, to make sure you get your benefits on time and honestly just to avoid those stressful lifelong financial penalties that catch so many people off guard. 00:00:34.799 --> 00:00:44.479 Because turning 65 is um it's a massive milestone, but it also brings this uh looming cloud of healthcare decisions. 00:00:44.799 --> 00:00:45.679 Oh, absolutely it does. 00:00:45.840 --> 00:00:46.640 It can feel like a maze. 00:00:46.960 --> 00:00:47.039 Right. 00:00:47.200 --> 00:00:51.039 So let's start with the path of least resistance, which is automatic enrollment. 00:00:51.439 --> 00:00:56.799 If you're already getting Social Security or railroad retirement benefits, for at least four months before your 65th birthday, yes. 00:00:57.039 --> 00:00:57.200 Right. 00:00:57.280 --> 00:01:00.159 Then the government just handles the paperwork for you, no stress at all. 00:01:00.479 --> 00:01:02.240 It is incredibly smooth. 00:01:02.479 --> 00:01:06.879 I mean, your red, white, and blue card just shows up in your mailbox about three months early. 00:01:07.200 --> 00:01:10.799 And that sets you up with part A for hospital coverage and part B for medical coverage. 00:01:11.120 --> 00:01:11.519 Exactly. 00:01:11.680 --> 00:01:15.599 And your Part B premiums are just deducted right from your social security checks. 00:01:15.840 --> 00:01:16.319 So easy. 00:01:16.400 --> 00:01:18.400 Aaron Powell And it's not just for retirees either. 00:01:18.640 --> 00:01:24.959 I was actually surprised to learn this also applies to people under 65 if they've been getting disability benefits for 24 months. 00:01:25.120 --> 00:01:26.719 Aaron Powell or if they have ALS. 00:01:26.879 --> 00:01:29.200 That disability provision is a massive lifeline. 00:01:29.359 --> 00:01:29.760 Trevor Burrus Yeah. 00:01:29.840 --> 00:01:31.439 It offers seamless continuity of care. 00:01:31.519 --> 00:01:31.680 Trevor Burrus, Jr. 00:01:31.760 --> 00:01:31.920 Right. 00:01:32.079 --> 00:01:37.040 Without adding an administrative burden to someone who's already managing a serious health condition. 00:01:37.120 --> 00:01:39.680 Aaron Powell But here's where I think a lot of people might trip up, though. 00:01:39.920 --> 00:01:44.480 Say I'm holding off on drawing Social Security to maximize my payout at 70. 00:01:44.640 --> 00:01:45.920 Aaron Powell or if you are still working. 00:01:46.000 --> 00:01:46.400 Trevor Burrus Right. 00:01:46.480 --> 00:01:47.359 Yeah, exactly. 00:01:48.079 --> 00:01:51.439 Then I can't rely on the government to do this for me. 00:01:51.680 --> 00:01:53.840 I fall into that manual enrollment bucket. 00:01:53.920 --> 00:01:54.719 Aaron Powell Precisely. 00:01:55.040 --> 00:01:58.319 Because you aren't drawing those checks yet, you have to proactively apply. 00:01:58.400 --> 00:02:00.159 Trevor Burrus Through the Social Security Administration? 00:02:00.400 --> 00:02:00.640 Yes. 00:02:00.799 --> 00:02:02.959 And timing becomes absolutely everything here. 00:02:03.120 --> 00:02:05.599 You get this straight initial enrollment period. 00:02:05.680 --> 00:02:07.040 Aaron Powell That's a seven-month window, right? 00:02:07.280 --> 00:02:07.439 Right. 00:02:07.599 --> 00:02:11.919 It includes the three months before your birthday month, the month itself, and the three months after. 00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:16.960 Aaron Powell Plus, since you aren't getting Social Security checks, you get billed quarterly for part B. 00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:19.039 Which can be a lot to keep track of. 00:02:19.439 --> 00:02:19.759 Yeah. 00:02:19.919 --> 00:02:25.919 Managing quarterly bills and tracking a very specific seven-month window can honestly feel overwhelming. 00:02:26.159 --> 00:02:32.400 So if you are listening and you want to take the guesswork out of this, we at Elite Insurance Partners can absolutely help. 00:02:32.639 --> 00:02:32.960 Definitely. 00:02:33.199 --> 00:02:40.560 You can easily just fill out the form on the page this deep dive is on or call us on 877-324-1512. 00:02:40.800 --> 00:02:41.280 Exactly. 00:02:41.439 --> 00:02:44.400 We would be more than happy to answer any questions you have. 00:02:44.719 --> 00:02:49.120 Getting that guidance is critical because the risks of missing those manual deadlines are severe. 00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:53.039 Yeah, if you miss that window, you aren't just looking at a one-time late fee, are you? 00:02:53.199 --> 00:02:53.439 No. 00:02:53.599 --> 00:02:55.039 You face a permanent penalty. 00:02:55.199 --> 00:03:00.400 It's 10% added to your Part B premium for every full 12-month period you missed. 00:03:00.560 --> 00:03:04.560 A permanent penalty tacked onto your monthly premium for the rest of your life. 00:03:04.800 --> 00:03:09.680 Not to mention, you aren't entirely responsible for your own health care bills during any coverage gaps. 00:03:10.000 --> 00:03:11.280 That is terrifying. 00:03:11.439 --> 00:03:13.520 And the exceptions make it even trickier. 00:03:13.759 --> 00:03:18.639 A lot of people assume their COBRA coverage or a retiree health plan keeps them safe. 00:03:18.879 --> 00:03:21.680 But those do not count as active employer coverage. 00:03:21.759 --> 00:03:22.960 It is a massive trap. 00:03:23.199 --> 00:03:29.520 Imagine someone who retires at 65, keeps their excellent Cobra coverage, and thinks they are perfectly safe. 00:03:29.759 --> 00:03:36.080 Then two years later, they try to get Medicare and realize their Part B premiums are permanently 20% higher. 00:03:36.400 --> 00:03:37.599 Because they miss the window. 00:03:37.840 --> 00:03:39.199 Oh, and what about Puerto Rico? 00:03:39.439 --> 00:03:39.599 Right. 00:03:39.680 --> 00:03:46.319 If you live in Puerto Rico and receive Social Security, you get auto-enrolled in Part A, but you still must manually enroll in Part B. 00:03:46.560 --> 00:03:46.879 Wow. 00:03:47.120 --> 00:03:51.039 And even after you get enrolled, original Medicare leaves some pretty big holes. 00:03:51.120 --> 00:03:53.280 It covers 80% of outpatient services. 00:03:53.599 --> 00:03:58.879 But you are on the hook for that remaining 20% coinsurance, and that 20% has no cap. 00:03:59.199 --> 00:04:04.319 Meaning if you have a$100,000 medical bill, you are on the hook for$20,000. 00:04:04.800 --> 00:04:05.439 Exactly. 00:04:05.680 --> 00:04:13.360 That is why once your Part B officially starts, a crucial six-month Medigap open enrollment window begins. 00:04:13.759 --> 00:04:18.639 Which is your best chance to secure a policy that protects you from that massive financial risk. 00:04:18.959 --> 00:04:19.199 Right. 00:04:19.279 --> 00:04:21.519 It shields you from those huge gaps. 00:04:21.759 --> 00:04:23.680 And that is exactly where we step in. 00:04:23.839 --> 00:04:29.279 If you want a customized quote to avoid those potentially devastating 20% gaps, just fill out the form. 00:04:29.519 --> 00:04:34.480 Or call Elite Insurance Partners at 877-324-1512. 00:04:34.720 --> 00:04:40.720 So ultimately, the golden rule here is to begin reviewing your options at least six months before your 65th birthday. 00:04:41.040 --> 00:04:42.240 So what does this all mean for you? 00:04:42.399 --> 00:04:43.839 Well, it leaves us with this thought. 00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:49.680 If relying on standard safety nets like Cobra can secretly trigger lifelong Medicare penalties. 00:04:50.000 --> 00:04:56.000 What other comfortable assumptions about your retirement health care might be putting your financial predictability at risk? 00:04:56.240 --> 00:05:00.560 It really raises an important question, and it is definitely worth exploring as you plan your future. 00:05:00.879 --> 00:05:02.079 Thanks again for listening. 00:05:02.319 --> 00:05:08.560 Remember, to secure robust coverage and eliminate the worry of unexpected medical bills, we are prepared to guide you. 00:05:08.800 --> 00:05:12.480 Just fill out our form or call 877 324 1512. 00:05:12.720 --> 00:05:16.399 That is 877 324 1512. 00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:17.839 Speak with an expert today.