Hello All,

                             Yesterday I turned 65 and live in Bangkok on a retirement visa. I receive social security benefits. I was unaware that if living overseas, you need to use form CMS-40B to apply for Medicare Part B. Social Security only registered me for Part A. Even though I cant use it overseas, I want Part B anyway so I have it. 

                              Medicare told me to fill out the form CMS-40B and mail or fax it to Social Security. Upon looking at the form, I see it is set up for domestic addresses, not also for overseas. The instructions say to mail the form to a social security office. Where would I send it to if I no longer have an address in the USA and social security uses my Bangkok address?

                               Also. If I faxed it. Does anyone know where to go in Bangkok to fax documents to the USA?

I think the standard procedure (which I followed) is that you apply for Medicare through the SS office in Manila.  

https://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen -services/social-security/

This page specifically mentions e-mailing CMS40-B:

https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/federal-benefits/medicare/

 

When I enrolled they required a brief phone interview.  There was no drama, and eventually a Medicare card showed up in my mailbox here.  Any part B payments can be deducted from your SS, I think, or they'll just bill you quarterly. 

Good luck!

-- Retiree

2 hours ago, retiree said:

I think the standard procedure (which I followed) is that you apply for Medicare through the SS office in Manila.  

https://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen -services/social-security/

This page specifically mentions e-mailing CMS40-B:

https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/federal-benefits/medicare/

 

When I enrolled they required a brief phone interview.  There was no drama, and eventually a Medicare card showed up in my mailbox here.  Any part B payments can be deducted from your SS, I think, or they'll just bill you quarterly. 

Good luck!

-- Retiree

Thank You