Toni,
Five years ago, when I was laid off, I enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when I turned 65 in August. By November, I found a new job with benefits and terminated my Medicare Part B. In October of 2023, I finally retired. After filing my Social Security forms, I discovered I was denied enrollment because I had a past due bill of $405, from when I was enrolled in Part B, which was never paid.
Please alert your Medicare column readers about terminating Medicare Part B and what happens when you do not pay the Part B premium. Enrolling in Medicare will be put on hold. I do not remember ever receiving a bill from Medicare. My Medicare Part B is being issued Feb. 1, and I will be having a “famous” Medicare Part B and D penalty.
I hope to help Americans understand Medicare issues that can affect them when enrolling in Medicare past age 65. Thanks, Toni.
— Greg from Spring, Texas