Welcome, Medicare Nation! Today I want to explain a brand new bill being introduced in the US House and Senate. It’s the BENES Act (Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification Act). This bill impacts people eligible for Medicare, specifically those who are nearing the age 65 enrollment period for Part B. The bill was introduced by Rep. Raul Ruiz (Dem.-CA) and Rep. Patrick Mann (Rep.-PA) in the House and by Sen. Bob Casey (Dem.-PA) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (Dem.-NY) in the Senate. I hope I can clear up any confusion for you! Let’s look at the current PROBLEM, which boils down to a LACK OF INFORMATION: The current system lets CERTAIN people know when to enroll in Medicare. If you are receiving SSI(disability) or SS benefits, then you will receive a letter as your 65th birthday approaches, advising you of your enrollment period and Medicare effective date. What about those NOT receiving those benefits? THAT is the problem! If you don’t receive current SSI or SS benefits, then the government has no “trigger” to alert you that it’s time to enroll as you approach age 65. If you don’t enroll during your initial enrollment period (three months prior to, including, and following your BIRTHDAY MONTH—for a total of seven months), then significant late penalties can apply. These can raise the premium you pay by as much as 30%! In 2014, ONE MILLION people paid a late penalty. The average monthly premium is $105 and the average late penalty adds an average of 30% to your monthly premium—EVERY MONTH!  Remember the following: If you have worked for 10 years (40 quarters paid into FICA), then you have paid the minimum to qualify for Medicare Part A, premium-free. Part A is the “accommodations” part of Medicare, meaning it covers overnight stays in medical care facilities. Part B covers outpatient services, which includes everything you might need in health care, excluding overnight stays. Under current law, the government will NOT send you any notification of your approaching enrollment period, and then they will assess you a substantial late penalty if you don’t enroll when you should. “It’s all about the mighty dollar, folks!” Let’s look at what the BENES Act will do to correct the PROBLEM: The Act will make it possible for those turning 65 (10,000 Americans EVERY DAY!) to avoid mistakes and will give uniform information about the Part B enrollment process. Each individual will receive a “clear and detailed” notice of Part B enrollment rules that will help them make informed decisions. The government will send a notification when you are 64, letting you know that your initial enrollment period (that 7-month window around your birthday) is approaching. I’m excited about the possibilities of this new law, but it has to get passed first. Congress will reconvene on September 6 after their summer break, and if you want to stay informed about the progress of the BENES Act, then see our resources section. Here’s a listener question from Teresa in Philadelphia: How do I enroll in Medicare? Well, Teresa, there are some options. If you are turning 65 and not currently receiving SSI or SS benefits, then you need to visit www.ssa.gov, go under Menu—Benefits—Medicare, and then scroll down to “Apply for Medicare only.” Click on “Start a New Application” and follow the directions. It should take about 10 minutes! Do it prior to your 65th birthday. My caution is that your personal information must have been updated with the Social Security Administration or there will be delays. If you have moved to a new address, changed your marital status or name, then you will have to go to the local SS office to enroll. You can call 800-772-1213 to enroll over the phone, but it is a LONG process. If you are over 65 and still working and are covered by your employer’s credible insurance plan, and NOT under Part B---then you will have to go to the local office and have two forms with you: the Employer Attestation Form (to prove there have b