USA Medical > Missed Medicare Part B Enrollment ?
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Why the Bridge Plan for Part B Coverages ?
Features & Uses of The Bridge Medical Insurance Plan:
This is a one of a kind program, underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyds, London and administered by Petersen International Underwriters in the USA. The Bridge Plan is a private major medical insurance plan (it is NOT "Medicare") intended for persons aged 60-95 who are awaiting acceptance as a participant in the U.S. Medicare System. All permanent residents of the United States are eligible for Medicare at some point in time. For those US residents who missed Part B open enrollment (refer to sidebar), the Bridge Plan offers a gap solution for the Part B: Physician / Surgeon benefits under Medicare Part B. While awaiting enrollment in Medicare, they may apply for coverage through The Bridge Plan. The Bridge Plan is set up to be as simple as possible - No co-pay & No coinsurance.
If you're a U.S. citizen or you meet the lawful presence and residency requirements, the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is your first chance to sign up for Medicare. It starts 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.
If you wait until the month you turn 65 (or the 3 months after you turn 65) to enroll, your Part B coverage will be delayed. This could cause a gap in your coverage (where The Bridge Plan comes in handy). In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You'll have to pay this penalty for as long as you have Part B and could have a gap in your health coverage. Find out when you're eligible for Medicare.
The Bridge Plan is a temporary plan and has a maximum policy period of 364 days. At the end of the 364 days, you may apply for a new term of insurance. Individual state restrictions apply which may restrict policy term lengths and the ability to reapply for new coverage . There is also a 10 day free look period which guarantees refund of full premium if not satisfied.
Review more in our brochure download where we also have current rates, deductible options and the application. This product cannot be applied for online at this time.
Medicare Part B missed enrollment? Penalties ?
In most cases, if you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, you'll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You'll have to pay this penalty for as long as you have Part B. Your monthly premium for Part B may go up 10% for each full 12-month period that you could have had Part B, but didn't sign up for it. Also, you may have to wait until the General Enrollment Period (from January 1 to March 31) to enroll in Part B. Coverage will start July 1 of that year.
Usually, you don't pay a late enrollment penalty if you meet certain conditions that allow you to sign up for Part B during a Special Enrollment Period.
If you have limited income and resources, your state may help you pay for Part A, and/or Part B. You may also qualify for Extra Help to pay for your Medicare prescription drug coverage.