Opportunity for Help with Medicare Cost Sharing Ends Soon

The 2013 Medicare Part A and B general
enrollment period runs from January 1 through March 31, 2013. As
detailed below, this enrollment period is especially important for many
individuals who are not eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A. Most
people do not pay a premium for Medicare Part A because they have
sufficient work history. However, for people who do not have this work
history, the Part A premium can cost several hundred dollars per month.
In addition to the important benefits covered under this component of
Medicare (primarily hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home
health and hospice coverage), Part A entitlement triggers eligibility
for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program. QMB helps certain
low-income people with health care costs associated with Medicare,
including all of Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and cost-sharing
and nearly all of Part D premiums and cost-sharing. Without being
enrolled in Part A first, however, beneficiaries cannot enroll in QMB.

Source/more: Center for Medicare Advocacy