Generally, you can only drop Part A (Hospital Insurance) if you have to pay a premium for it, also called Premium-Part A.
There are some risks to dropping coverage:
– Your costs for health care: You may have to pay all of the costs for services that Medicare covers, like hospital stays, doctors’ services, medical supplies, and preventive services.
– Gap in coverage: If you change your mind and want to sign up again later, you may have to wait until the next General Enrollment Period (January 1-March 31 each year) to sign up. Your coverage won’t start until July 1.
– Late enrollment penalty: If you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to get Medicare later, you’ll have to pay a monthly late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage. The penalty goes up the longer you go without Part B coverage. If you have to pay a penalty for Part A, you’ll pay it for twice as long as you go without Part A coverage.
To voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance) you may need to have a personal interview. Also a Social Security representative will help you complete Form CMS 1763.
2 ways to drop coverage
To drop Part B (or Part A if you have to pay a premium for it), you usually need to send your request in writing and include your signature.
You pay premiums for any months you have Part B (or Premium-Part A) coverage. Your coverage will end the first day of the month after Social Security gets your request.
If you’re dropping Part B and keeping Part A, we’ll send you a new Medicare card showing you have only Part A coverage. Write down your Medicare Number in case you need to go to the hospital or get Part A-covered services until your new card arrives.
