Anna Schremmer, K-State Research & Extension Family Consumer Science Agent for Phillips-Rooks District #5

Even though we are in a COVID-19 pandemic, life goes on. We continue to eat, sleep, and have birthdays. For some, this is a very special birthday, your turning 65 and time to enroll in Medicare.

The Social Security Administration processes Medicare enrollment applications. During the coronavirus public health emergency, local Social Security offices are closed to the public, but many services are available online and over the phone.  

• Online Medicare applications can be found and submitted to: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/  
• or you can call the national Social Security Administration helpline at 800-772-1213 

Many people can use the online application to apply for Medicare, particularly to enroll in Part A and Part B at the same time if they haven’t enrolled in Medicare before. However, not all Medicare applications can be completed online, and not everyone has access to a computer.      

If you cannot enroll in Medicare online, here is what you should do: 

1. Contact your local Social Security office.  Call your local office to learn about how to submit your enrollment paperwork. Our local office is the Hays office: 1-888-552-7176. Keep a record of the name of any representative you speak to and the date and time of the conversation. 

2. Send paperwork to your local office by certified mail. (HAYS SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE, 1212 E 27th St, Hays, Kansas 67601) When you use certified mail, you get a receipt and confirmation that your mail was delivered. You will have proof that you mailed in your application, which can be helpful in case there are any problems with your enrollment.  

If you qualify for Medicare but are outside your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and you or your spouse or family member recently lost the job that provided you with health insurance, you will also need to submit form CMS L564.  

• An employer usually fills out Section B of the form. If your employer cannot fill out Section B, you can fill it out on their behalf. 
• If you fill out Section B for your employer, you will also need to submit proof of employment–based health insurance coverage. Examples of this proof include:
  • Income tax returns that show health insurance premiums paid
  • W-2s reflecting pre-tax medical contributions
  • Statements or receipts that show paid health insurance premiums  
  • Pay stubs that show health insurance premiums deducted
  • Health insurance cards that show the date the policy began
  • Explanations of benefits paid by the job-based insurance

Once you receive your Medicare Card contact me for enrollment in Medicare Part D (prescription) and information about what to look for in supplemental insurance. (Phillips-Rooks Extension Office: 785-543-6845) Last but not least you will need to contact a private insurance company for supplemental insurance.

If you have additional Medicare enrollment questions, call the Medicare Rights Center helpline at 800-333-4114. 

Information for the Hays Social Security Office

Phone Number:

1-888-552-7176 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778

Address:

HAYS SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE,

1212 E 27th St

Hays, Kansas 67601

Hays Social Security Office Hours

As of March 17, this office will be closed until further notice due to COVID-19. We are still accepting mail and online applications.

Monday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm

“Knowledge for Life” provided by Phillips-Rooks Extension District #5 and K-State Research and Extension.