How do you apply for Medicare while in the hospital?

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graygrammie Asked February 2023

How do you apply for Medicare while in the hospital?

My bil has been in the hospital since mid-January with covid and is on a ventilator. He is supposed to go to long-term care in about ten days.

My bil is now in his window for applying for Medicare. Obviously he is unable to do this. What happens now?

(Also, he is retired military with VA benefits, so I think that will help with the cost of long-term care.)

Hospital Discharge Long Term Care Medicare Open Enrollment Veterans Benefits

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score 1 · Answer 1

Apply for parts A and B online through the SS site

https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up

or call

Available in most U.S. time zones Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. in English and other languages
Call +1 800-772-1213

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score 1 · Answer 2

I mean Medicare. He turns 65 in May. Since my sister and he faced his cancer six years ago (and was declared cured last year), I am pretty sure they have all their ducks in a row. He retired from the military after thirty years in. He's not collecting SS yet, plans to wait as long as possible. But they know about the three-month window for Medicare and had planned to apply soon. I told her to ask the social worker at the hospital for the next step since she's been helping so much as a go-between with the health insurance company.

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score 0 · Answer 3

If he has no POA, then let the hospital get this started. I assume you mean Medicaid and not Medicare. He most likely is on Tri Care. They will petition the court and a guardian will be appointed. Usually it is given to a lawyer and the paperwork will be completed. Unless your husband wants to be the guardian.

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score 2 · Answer 4

GG,
Can you just, HYPOTHETICALLY, use his paperwork to enroll him?

HYPOTHETICALLY, I’m guessing that the computer won’t ask for a Face ID, or fingerprints.

Good luck, HYPOTHETICALLY.

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score 0 · Answer 5

"Medicare beneficiaries have the right to choose someone to help make decisions about Medicare coverage. This is referred to as an Authorized Representative. This person is only authorized to help with Medicare — joining a plan, quitting a plan, finding out information about insurance and handling claims and payments."

https://www.ncoa.org › article › wh...
What is Medicare Authorized Representative?

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score 0 · Answer 6

SSA does not recognize POA.

Is your BIL already collecting SS. If so, Medicare is automatic. Both my husband and I took SS at 62. Medicare cards came automatically at 65.

If he is not collecting SS then call your local SS office and ask this question.

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score 1 · Answer 7

Does anyone hold POA for him?

I would talk to the Social Worker at the hospital to discuss how to go about this.

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How do you apply for Medicare while in the hospital?

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