How do I get Medicare part B? Local broker shares helpful tips

What does it cost to get my Medicare part B, and what do I need to qualify? Where do I go from there? If you've been asking yourself these questions, local broker Medicare Misty Bolt has the insight and the know-how to help you navigate your next steps.

Regarding eligibility, Bolt references the information found on medicare.gov: "If you are not eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A, you can qualify for Medicare Part B by meeting the following requirements: You must be 65 years or older. You must be a U.S. citizen, or a permanent resident lawfully residing in the U.S for at least five continuous years."

She went on to explain that you can sign up for Medicare Part B at any time if you have coverage through your current or active employer. According to the guide on her website, the initial enrollment period for seniors begins three months before the month of their 65th birthday and ends three months after.

"Keep in mind though that if you don't enroll in Part B during that special enrollment period, you'll have to wait until the next general enrollment, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year," Bolt said. "If you deferred Medicare because you were working and have group coverage and now are retiring or got furloughed, one of the first things you'll need is a filled out form from social security to your employer showing you have had creditable medical and drug coverage. This way you won't get a penalty for Part B or D."

"Forms can also be faxed to 1-833-914-2016 or mailed to your local social security field office," she added. "I advise for faxing to the local social security office."

Bolt can send out materials on whatever you may need to help too whether it's medicare drug plans, medicare supplements, or medicare advantage plans. While she primarily works with seniors, for those with spouses who aren't yet 65 or on a health plan, her team is also specialized as a health and life agency.

The bottom in the entire process is make sure you have a trusted agent or broker to help you through it.

"Don't do this alone!" Bolt stressed. "Use a local agent that is what we are here for. There are so many scams, and you should never give your information to someone that is not local and trusted."

Bolt and her team have been in the Medicare field for over 15 years and are licensed in several states and have several local agents that can help clients. With so much to navigate, Bolt reassured that there are no dumb questions to ask, and even encouraged that people ask every question that comes to mind as they go through it.

"Don't wait," she added. "Let us help! This stuff is hard," she shared. "I have engineers, doctors, and lawyers that cannot figure this out, and that makes sense because they are not supposed to, just like I could not figure out law, medicine or how to build a skyscraper without the training and experience. There's no reason why you should you take on something like Medicare on your own."

To learn more about Medicare Misty and her services, call her at 423-240-0794 or visit medicaremisty.com or follow her on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter) (*Medicare Misty Advisors is not affiliated by, or endorsed by any government agency.)

Noteworthy:

"Keep in mind though that if you don't enroll in Part B during that special enrollment period, you'll have to wait until the next general enrollment, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year." Misty Bolt

*Information in this content is referenced from medicare.gov.