Community Chat

[lenapecci]

I am in the process of applying for Medicare & SS. I had my initial call and set my phone appointment for June 12th. 

I met with an agent to pick my supplement and drug plan as I am going with traditional Medicare. I made my decision on the supplemnts and the agent informed me he needs my Medicare number to get me signed up for both. 

I called SS to see if I can get the Medicare number. I was told until I have my phone appointment I cannot get a number. It will take 60 days after the phone call. 

The person I spoke to last night said I can apply online. I am techinically challeneged and that is why I had opted for the call. 

Has anyone here applied online and was it a good experience not to difficult? I would like to give it a try tomorrow. 

TIA  

[fmfg]

First of all the worst part of retiring is trying to figure out the Medcare plans.  Bravo for you for figuring it out - I too went with the traditional plan - As to applying on line - I did it - i think it took me 10? minutes or so but I've worked in offices with technology for 50 years and I find it easier than a phone call.  If you are having issues, I recommend doing the call to SS/Medicare and they can help you do it on line or if you prefer apply via the phone.  It's whatever you feel comfortable with.  I found the SS group to be most helpful, pleasant and patient when I did have to call them.  Best wishes to you.  

[lenapecci]

Thank you @fmfg   I appreciate the information.  My last day of my employer coverage is June 30th. I will give it a go online. 

It is my fault as I did not ask the right questions during my initial call. I did not know I would need a Medicare number to apply for the supplements. And I agree so far my interactions with SS have been very good. Very professional. 

[Imaoldhippie]

@lenapecci ...............Just in case you did not know your local senior citizens center has people that can help.

[Rockycoast]

My husband filled out the requirements online.  Took him all of 10-15 minutes. Very easy he said. No problems.  After he filled them out and submitted, within a few days he recieved a phone call back from SS.  

[ciao_bella]

@lenapecci  You've got this!  You can do it!  Believe in yourself!  

[Meowingkitty]

It's easy to apply online. Maybe 15 minutes. I'm tech savvy so I do everything online. I rarely want to deal with people.

[lenapecci]

Thank you everyone so much for the advice and encouragement!
I will give a go first thing tomorrow morning. I appreciate you all!!

[CrazyDaisy]

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@lenapecci wrote:

Thank you @fmfg   I appreciate the information.  My last day of my employer coverage is June 30th. I will give it a go online. 

It is my fault as I did not ask the right questions during my initial call. I did not know I would need a Medicare number to apply for the supplements. And I agree so far my interactions with SS have been very good. Very professional. 

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I just finished the process.  I don't think it took that long to get your medicare number.  The supplement can be put in place within a day or two.  You can always pay for COBRA for a month if things get bogged down. 

[conlt]

Hi, last year, I signed up for my Medicare and Supplement Plan all on-line without an agent involved. Maybe you have a trusted person who can help you. I have not signed-up for Social Security yet but I know I can do it on the Social Security Website. Please be careful giving out your numbers. Once you sign-up for Medicare, you will receive a Medicare Card with your number on it. You should also be able to look at your Medicare number on the Medicare Website. Good luck, you can do this.