Medicare

[JessiesGirl30]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arizona

I am not sure where to put this. I apologize if in wrong forum.

I became eligible for Medicare part B in July 2008. I became eligible for Medicare part A in July 2010. I did NOT know I was eligible at all until July 25, 2010. An award letter was sent to me indicating these dates, and I received my Medicare card shortly thereafter.

I began researching supplemental insurance companies and was turned down. I was told that I had passed the 90 day window to apply for a supplemental because I got insurance in 2008 (which, remember, I did not KNOW I had until July 2010). I called Medicare, and they said tough luck, they won't change the date to 2010. I simply have to wait until open enrollment which starts November 15th and is effective Jan 1, 2011.

Why would Medicare trip me up like this? Why won't they change the date, and what can I do?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[cbg]

You can wait until open enrollment.

They won't change the date because they have no reason to, and no incentive to do so.

I guarantee you were notified. You may not have read the notice, but you were notified.

 

[JessiesGirl30]

Actually, I went to court in April 2010 for my Soc Sec Disability case and won. I had been denied twice before and subsequently did not have Medicare or SSD until I won the case. I am 39. I did not know I even won until July 2010. Don't get me wrong. I am grateful I won. I am grateful to have backpay coming from SSD (eventually), and that I finally have Medicare. I just don't see how I could have been notified in 2008 when I didn't even see a judge and win in 2010. I have been disabled since 2005, and don't understand the dates they are using. I am getting (eventually) SSD backpay from thru 2006. I already received my sons' SS backpay last month, from thru 2006. I don't know where 2008 comes in, or even 2006. Help??? I'm so confuzzled.... And I've called SSA and Medicare and I just don't understand their answers (my disability is a brain injury).

ETA: I was told I could submit old bills to Medicare to pay, but I have none to do so. If I choose not to submit any (because we've paid cash for them), wouldn't Medicare SAVE money (incentive) by making my eligibility date more recent? Just a question....

 

[cbg]

Not enough to make it worth the administrative hassel of breaking the rules because you "didn't know".

You are a very small cog in a very big wheel. One person's claims are not enough of an incentive to change their date.