All local Social Security offices will be closed to the public for in-person service starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020. This decision protects the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Please read the Social Security Administration’s press release to learn more, including how to get help from the Social Security Administration by phone and online.

It’s important that our agents know how to help their clients when the social security offices are closed to in-person service. Below are the 3 big reasons seniors visit the social security office and the online solutions:  

Signing up for Medicare::  

• Getting Started with Medicare
• Applying for Medicare online
• Deciding Whether to Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B When You Turn 65
• Medicare Decisions for Those Over 65 and Planning to Retire in the Next 6 Months

Forms that Employees need to bring with them when Signing up for Medicare at the Social Security Office if they delayed enrollment:

Once your employment (or your employer/union coverage) ends you have 8 months to sign up for Part B without a penalty, whether or not you choose COBRA. To sign up for Part B while you’re employed or during the 8 months after employment ends, complete:

• Application for Enrollment in Part B (CMS-40B)
• Employment information

***Since these forms are needed to enroll someone who delayed Medicare enrollment, it’s encouraged to contact the local social security office to discover the best way to get these forms submitted

Replacing Medicare Cards:

• Your Medicare card is proof of your Medicare insurance. If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can ask for a replacement by using your online my Social Security account: https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01735

Applying for Extra Help with Prescription Drugs:

• Medicare beneficiaries can qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $5,000 per year. To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia

Source: https://www.ssa.gov/agency/emergency/