To US expats - Registration with Medicare at age 65

[smo]

I'll be 65 next month October. Been receiving Social Security since age 62. IIRC, I think ubonjoe once replied to my inquiry (I can't find that thread now) that 3 months before my 65th birthday, Social Security office will send me a letter regarding registration (or what to do) with Medicare. So far I haven't received any such letter... Should I be concerned to contact SS in Manila? I'm total newbie regarding this issue.

Thanks in advance for any tip/advice you can come up with.

[Pib]

 

Below Medicare webpage should help/answer your question.  But best to ask Manila SSO to be sure since you haven't received the letter.

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/how-do-i-get-parts-a-b

 

[smo]

On 9/4/2019 at 11:14 AM, Pib said:

 

Below Medicare webpage should help/answer your question.  But best to ask Manila SSO to be sure since you haven't received the letter.

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/how-do-i-get-parts-a-b

 

Thanks Pibs for the link and the advice. I looked up and saw that in my case since I've already got SS benefits months before age 65, I will be getting Medicare A + B automatically:

 

"If you already get benefits from Social Security, you'll get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically when you're first eligible and don't need to sign up. Medicare will send you a "Welcome to Medicare" packet 3 months before you turn 65. You'll still have other important deadlines and actions to take, so read all of the materials in the packet. (If you live in Puerto Rico, you'll only get Part A. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it.)"

 

- and that I would need to sign up for part D if I want drug coverage. First thing first I'm going to email Manila also to inquire about the  "Welcome to Medicare" packet that I haven't yet received. Will keep you posted what happens next. (I recall we discussed briefly about this in one previous conversation...)

[GinBoy2]

14 hours ago, smo said:

Thanks Pibs for the link and the advice. I looked up and saw that in my case since I've already got SS benefits months before age 65, I will be getting Medicare A + B automatically:

 

"If you already get benefits from Social Security, you'll get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically when you're first eligible and don't need to sign up. Medicare will send you a "Welcome to Medicare" packet 3 months before you turn 65. You'll still have other important deadlines and actions to take, so read all of the materials in the packet. (If you live in Puerto Rico, you'll only get Part A. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it.)"

 

- and that I would need to sign up for part D if I want drug coverage. First thing first I'm going to email Manila also to inquire about the  "Welcome to Medicare" packet that I haven't yet received. Will keep you posted what happens next. (I recall we discussed briefly about this in one previous conversation...)

Idle musing, but I can't see the point of Part D, if you plan on living in Thailand, since you can't use any part of Medicare overseas.

 

Maybe someone could enlighten me, but thats how I understood it

[cmarshall]

On 9/5/2019 at 2:03 AM, smo said:

Thanks Pibs for the link and the advice. I looked up and saw that in my case since I've already got SS benefits months before age 65, I will be getting Medicare A + B automatically:

 

"If you already get benefits from Social Security, you'll get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically when you're first eligible and don't need to sign up. Medicare will send you a "Welcome to Medicare" packet 3 months before you turn 65. You'll still have other important deadlines and actions to take, so read all of the materials in the packet. (If you live in Puerto Rico, you'll only get Part A. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it.)"

 

- and that I would need to sign up for part D if I want drug coverage. First thing first I'm going to email Manila also to inquire about the  "Welcome to Medicare" packet that I haven't yet received. Will keep you posted what happens next. (I recall we discussed briefly about this in one previous conversation...)

Non-residents of the US are not eligible for Part D or any other Medicare features beyond Parts A and B.

[sfokevin]

To say not eligible is incorrect... You can buy the insurance but to receive any benefit you must be in the US hospital or pharmacy... and if you don't buy in at 65 the insurance cost rises 10% every year and can only be bought during a special enrollment period every year...

[cmarshall]

On 9/7/2019 at 2:11 AM, sfokevin said:

To say not eligible is incorrect... You can buy the insurance but to receive any benefit you must be in the US hospital or pharmacy... and if you don't buy in at 65 the insurance cost rises 10% every year and can only be bought during a special enrollment period every year...

Wrong in every particular.  It's only Part B that has the 10% penalty if you sign up later.  Expats can and do sign up for Part B.  For every other part we are not eligible, i.e. we can only buy it if we fraudulently and foolishly claim to reside in the US.  

[smo]

On 9/7/2019 at 12:55 PM, cmarshall said:

Non-residents of the US are not eligible for Part D or any other Medicare features beyond Parts A and B.

I find this the most accurate according to my Google inquiry at least regarding part D. The part that initially got me worried was the "lifetime" penalty for late sign-up concerning part D. Then Google told me that non-residents ie expats are not eligible for it. But once the expat returns and starts residing in the US again ie re-becoming US resident then part D will be applicable. The signup window for IEP (initial enrollment period) then begins: opens 3 months prior and closes 3 months after the new beginning date of residence. Meaning as I understand it you can sign up for it 3 months prior to going back home if you need to fill your prescription pronto the moment after landing.

 

I'm not worrying about part B right now because seemingly both parts A and B are automatic in my case. But still I want that welcome packet from Social Security. I have emailed FBU Manila and their response time is 10 business days so still waiting. I remember there were threads that went into further details about the whole business of Medicare - but maybe the discussion was embedded in threads of different topics and consequently a search on Thaivisa has brought scant info so far...If anyone knows and can give a link to those threads that would be much appreciated, thanks.

[gk10002000]

So I understand there is a penalty for Supp B if one does not sign up for it when first eligible.  I had not looked into Supp D much.  So if I truly do reside in the USA, is there any penalty for not signing up for Supp D at a time after my first Supp B eligibility, i.e. can a US resident sign up for Supp D at any time without penalty?

[mania]

3 hours ago, gk10002000 said:

is there any penalty for not signing up for Supp D

https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/part-d-late-enrollment-penalty

[gk10002000]

1 hour ago, mania said:

https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/part-d-late-enrollment-penalty

Thank you. So B and D each have late enrollment penalties.  I have seen all sorts of ads on TV and the internet for other Medicare supplements from places other than medicare/ the government.  Wonder how good those are?  I guess I will start poking around some more.

 

Thanks for the D thingy

[gk10002000]

So at the moment I am closing in on 63.   When I hit 65 I become eligible for Medicare.  At the moment the basic costs could be, assuming no late enrollment penalties, and I keep my income below $85,000 a year.  :

 

Part A:  0

Supp_B:  $135

Supp_D: ~ $35  (seems to be about the listed national average)

 

I see all sorts of cost options and Supp D plans seem to vary a bit between states, exact options chosen etc.  And I see some plans that kind of combine Supp_B and Supp_D features.   Oh well.  Still have time to sort things out.   My social security check is going to be somewhere around $2300, give or take.  So between the medicare costs being deducted right off the top, and then some Federal Taxes being deducted since my income will be somewhat above the basic level that keeps social security benefits from being not taxed.   Oh well.  1500 or 1800 a month net is not too bad.  Of course I have planned for and set aside and created enough passive income to more than cover things.  Still, not hard to see why so many elders are in financial straits

 

Thanks for the pointers.

[onekoolguy]

Medicare doesnt cover you when out of country. However many of the add on plans do. I have a HMO plan that covers me while out of country for accidents and sudden illnesses. The plan is free.

Pays to check out these plans to see what works for you?

[cmarshall]

3 hours ago, mania said:

https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/part-d-late-enrollment-penalty

BUT

Medicare Part D is only available while residing in the U.S. Individuals can join Medicare Part D or a Medicare Part C plan that includes prescription drug coverage under SEP rules within two months of returning to the States. If they do not, they will pay a lifelong penalty of 1% per month of the premium amount for every month they were eligible for prescription drug coverage and did not enroll. 

 

https://goodcare.com/dealing-with-medicare-as-an-expat-when-and-how-to-enroll/

[curtklay]

On 9/9/2019 at 11:07 AM, smo said:

I'm not worrying about part B right now because seemingly both parts A and B are automatic in my case. But still I want that welcome packet from Social Security.

Well, automatic is not exactly correct. You still have to sign up for it and authorize the payment to be deducted from your monthly benefit. The Welcome Packet will explain it all in detail.

[Neocon]

On 9/4/2019 at 11:14 AM, Pib said:

 

Below Medicare webpage should help/answer your question.  But best to ask Manila SSO to be sure since you haven't received the letter.

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/how-do-i-get-parts-a-b

 

 

On 9/5/2019 at 1:03 PM, smo said:

Thanks Pibs for the link and the advice. I looked up and saw that in my case since I've already got SS benefits months before age 65, I will be getting Medicare A + B automatically:

 

"If you already get benefits from Social Security, you'll get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically when you're first eligible and don't need to sign up. Medicare will send you a "Welcome to Medicare" packet 3 months before you turn 65. You'll still have other important deadlines and actions to take, so read all of the materials in the packet. (If you live in Puerto Rico, you'll only get Part A. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it.)"

 

- and that I would need to sign up for part D if I want drug coverage. First thing first I'm going to email Manila also to inquire about the  "Welcome to Medicare" packet that I haven't yet received. Will keep you posted what happens next. (I recall we discussed briefly about this in one previous conversation...)

According to:  https://www.hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-medicaid/when-should-i-sign-up-for-medicare/index.html

"Residents of Puerto Rico or foreign countries will not receive Part B automatically. They must elect this benefit."

[Danthai]

Correct if qualified you get Part A, but you have to opt in for part B. If don't opt in, you pay penalty to use when you return to US. Medicare doesn't cover overseas. If you retired military you ate covered by Tricare..

[reptile91602]

I don't ever plan to visit the US again this life. Does anyone know why I should apply for medicare at all. I have a great accidental coverage plan here in Thailand for 1500 baht a year.

[oobar]

10 minutes ago, reptile91602 said:

I don't ever plan to visit the US again this life. Does anyone know why I should apply for medicare at all. I have a great accidental coverage plan here in Thailand for 1500 baht a year.

My wife and I, both Americans, are in our early 70s in Thailand.  We need accident insurance.  What company do you use?

 

[Captain 776]

It is my understanding that Medicaid including parts A and B can not be used outside USA?

 

Correct.....or not?

[Skallywag]

2 hours ago, reptile91602 said:

I don't ever plan to visit the US again this life. Does anyone know why I should apply for medicare at all. I have a great accidental coverage plan here in Thailand for 1500 baht a year.

1500 baht a year! great deal for someone reaching 65yo. 

Can I ask the company and total coverage per accident

[AAArdvark]

9 hours ago, onekoolguy said:

Medicare doesnt cover you when out of country. However many of the add on plans do. I have a HMO plan that covers me while out of country for accidents and sudden illnesses. The plan is free.

Pays to check out these plans to see what works for you?

I am interested if your HMO knows that you actually reside out of the country?  It seems that it would work if you still have a US address.

[AAArdvark]

2 hours ago, reptile91602 said:

I don't ever plan to visit the US again this life. Does anyone know why I should apply for medicare at all. I have a great accidental coverage plan here in Thailand for 1500 baht a year.

Up to you.  Lets say you live in Thailand and pay for medicare.  You are diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, you could return to the US long enough to get well (or die).   Otherwise you will face a huge bill in Thailand.

[AAArdvark]

33 minutes ago, Captain 776 said:

It is my understanding that Medicaid including parts A and B can not be used outside USA?

 

Correct.....or not?

You must mean Medicare and not Medicaid which is for non retired low income people.

[AAArdvark]

10 minutes ago, Skallywag said:

1500 baht a year! great deal for someone reaching 65yo. 

Can I ask the company and total coverage per accident

It is accident coverage so what difference would the age make?

[thailand49]

On 9/4/2019 at 11:03 PM, smo said:

Thanks Pibs for the link and the advice. I looked up and saw that in my case since I've already got SS benefits months before age 65, I will be getting Medicare A + B automatically:

 

"If you already get benefits from Social Security, you'll get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically when you're first eligible and don't need to sign up. Medicare will send you a "Welcome to Medicare" packet 3 months before you turn 65. You'll still have other important deadlines and actions to take, so read all of the materials in the packet. (If you live in Puerto Rico, you'll only get Part A. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it.)"

 

- and that I would need to sign up for part D if I want drug coverage. First thing first I'm going to email Manila also to inquire about the  "Welcome to Medicare" packet that I haven't yet received. Will keep you posted what happens next. (I recall we discussed briefly about this in one previous conversation...)

It has been a few year but I think you got some of this stuff wrong. Yes if you qualify for A&B it doesn't mean you don't have to sign up and you get your packet automatically!

Part B. right now although you qualify is a option because if you select it isn't free you got to pay which I do $135 a month option taken out of your S.S. benefit.

If you haven't already you need to create an account online and read the information (fine print) slowly. 

If you are lucky your former job provides medical after retirement and at Medicare age still will provide coverage C-D etc still at a lower cost in general than if you purchased coverage on your own.

For myself example, I live oversea majority of the time still have an address in the States, because of that I not buying coverage beyond A&B saving between 90-200 a month depending on coverage plan instead in my area they offer a Zero a month plan from Anthem Blue Cross it is basically a HMO,  I've been pretty happy with it. They provide me with Online advice, when I plan to return to the States for a quick visit I call a few months before set up an appointment and then get referral to others examines. On my visit if I have an accident or become ill I can use all the independent Urgent Care clinics so far so go!

[thailand49]

1 hour ago, Captain 776 said:

It is my understanding that Medicaid including parts A and B can not be used outside USA?

 

Correct.....or not?

Medicare coverage isn't available outside the U.S. unless you are in the South Pacific like American Samoia?  Depending on your coverage beyond A&B it does cover oversea but not if you are using a International address basically like travel insurance if you get hurt on vacation you pay first get a written bill in English usually an International hospital submit the bill and usually get refunded what you spend oversea but it will be based on " out of network " if applies 50% for example.

Medicaid isn't Medicare,  Medicaid is a State program that is for low income.

[flbkk]

Supplements and Advantage Plans are allowed to cover emergencies on the first 60 days of a trip, at 80%, with a $250 deductible and a $50 lifetime limit. So you can use overseas in any meaningful way. Nevertheless I keep Part A and B with a High F supplement. I come to USA fir a few weeks a year, keep a residence there. I also have kept dental, vision, and Part D, s cheap plan. It’s not a perfect solution but if I get sick and can make it back to the USA it will help me. The plan F covers some things outside of Medicare, the 60 day travel benefit, Silver Sneakers (free US gyms which I do use). And it’s good on any USA state at any doctors or hospitals that take Medicare. Advantage Plans use a network of providers in your USA county only, except for out of state emergencies. I can’t get thai social security (government health insurance) and I have thai Aetna but it excludes anything cardiac and it’s injury and accident coverage is very low. I may drop it next year and get accident insurance from my bank. 

[Morty T]

On 9/5/2019 at 2:03 AM, smo said:

Thanks Pibs for the link and the advice. I looked up and saw that in my case since I've already got SS benefits months before age 65, I will be getting Medicare A + B automatically:

 

"If you already get benefits from Social Security, you'll get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically when you're first eligible and don't need to sign up. Medicare will send you a "Welcome to Medicare" packet 3 months before you turn 65. You'll still have other important deadlines and actions to take, so read all of the materials in the packet. (If you live in Puerto Rico, you'll only get Part A. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it.)"

 

- and that I would need to sign up for part D if I want drug coverage. First thing first I'm going to email Manila also to inquire about the  "Welcome to Medicare" packet that I haven't yet received. Will keep you posted what happens next. (I recall we discussed briefly about this in one previous conversation...)

Part B is not a automatic, you still need to sign up. If you delay you may be penalized. In any case Part B is not covered outside of the country. Part B is not free, currently $200 a month and increases every year with the living adjustment. 

[oceanbreeze851]

I live in the USA now and for the next 6 months. I started medicare at 65 and my tricare prime was changed to tricare for life. Medicare part A is what you have been paying into for your whole working life. It is deducted from your paycheck just like social security and income tax. Part B is what you will pay monthly at $135. It covers office visits and out of hospital procedures. Supplements C, D, E, F all add to the coverage in different way at a cost. With tricare for life, I do not need any supplements but I need to continue paying for part B even when I am out of the country. The good thing about tricare for life is that it can change to tricare overseas which will pay at a 80/20 split. When I return to USA for visits it will return tricare for life.