Among Friends

[Isobel Archer]

You might want to get some expert advice on declining part B.  There is a penalty if you want to take it later and that can be expensive.

Also, some plans (mine included this year) reimburse you for part B payments.

[77yangya]

Firstly, thank you to everyone that posted.  I called Medicare and asked them for help and they said I to call SS.  They Would NOT help me.  Okay, I filled out the form declining part B and had it faxed.  Yes, I know the longer I wait, the more expensive it'll be later. 

Here's what got me angry.....they sent me a pack saying that if I do NOTHING I'll only get part A which I don't get billed for.  I was told I could NOT decline part A.  Both of these I found to be untrue. 

Yes, it's very confusing and I wanted to go back to the SS office but my husband demanded that we can resolve this by calling and asking what we need to do.  Well, okay, we did the form and faxed it and they said any money they took will be reimbursed and they did take our money. 

[77yangya]

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@SilleeMee wrote:

I requested to decline Part A.  I sent in that CMS Form 1763 to my local SS office as instructed by them. They sent me a new card showing that I have only Part B now. The entire ordeal was a fiasco b/c they accidentally cancelled Part B. Make sure they cancel the right one! They should send you a letter stating what they did plus a new card.

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Thank you SilleeMee for your post.  Excellent advice. XO

[Carmie]

@77yangya   If you do nothing, you will be enrolled in both parts of medicare.  If you want to decline one part or the other, you must fill out the form.

I am not trying to be pushy or overstep, but you truly should not decline Part B.  If you need the income you might be eligible to apply for part B at a reduced cost.

T 

If you are not eligible for low income benefits , please keep Part B and sign up for a zero cost Advantage Plan. That way you will have good medical coverage.

I guarantee you will be kicking yourself later.  This is not a matter to take lightly. You will be charged 10% more for each year you were eligible and declined Part B.  In five years, it will cost you 50% more money for the rest of your life. I have personally seen people who declined Part B and were devastated later.  Please, don't be one of those people. This is DANGEROUS  to your health and finances.

BTW, you cannot opt out of Medicare Part A if you are receiving Social Security benefits, so, I don't think you were given false info on Part A.

The poster on this forum  who said she opted out of Part A is not eligible for Social Security.

[Annabellethecat66]

You should make an appointment first if you can.