Community Chat

[stevieb]

@Susan Louise...

Go and visit the site. See what's what. Maybe things have changed but I don't believe one has to sign up for MC via the SSA. Perhaps whoever told you differently assumed you wanted to start collecting SS benefits. When you do, the MC process is more automatic, but you don't, so you can apply separately.

From the web... 

• If you don't receive Social Security benefits

  You can apply for Medicare online or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You can apply as early as three months before your 65th birthday. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) to sign up for Medicare is seven months long, beginning three months before your 65th birthday and ending three months after. If you miss your IEP, you may have to pay a penalty.  

[monicakm]

@Susan Louise 

Every time I've called SS I've been given the option to have them call me back.  And yes, that's the number call.

[monicakm]

Just breath @Susan Louise.  You're doing a good thing by getting it done now.  One more day will be fine   We also did it over the phone the second time.  The first time we went to the localish SS office and thought we had it covered (for my husband).  Turned out we didn't   Then we did it over phone and it was a piece of cake.  She took care of mine as well.

[nycalady]

@Susan Louise Contact a local insurance agent who specializes in Medicare, they'll explain everything & help you find the best plan for you. The process will be easy

[Carmie]

I signed myself and my husband online.  It was easy.

I have had to call Medicare twice in the past few years and twice I was given incorrect information by the representative.

I don't trust their phone reps....they are inexperienced.

I worked for a health insurance for almost 25 years.  I know Medicare like the back of my  hand.  If I didn't, the wrong info I was given would have had a negative effect.

You gotta be careful when making life decisions.

[elated]

@Susan Louise  When I went into SSA.gov , the phone number they gave was 1-800-633-4227 for Medicare questions . If you have any questions, they said to call the above number. You can start your retirement benefit at any point from age 62 up until age 70. Your benefit will be higher the longer you delay your start date. 

[patbz]

Medicare is complicated ( options once you've signed up plus the initial signup). Why not buy a book on Amazon that has the ins and outs ( and you can highlight, take notes). I signed up online but most decisions came AFTER initial signup!

[Carmie]

WHOA, whoa....

First, Medicare and SS are not the same thing.  You can signup for Medicare at Medicare.gov.

When you signup for Medicare you will have to pay for Medicare Part B, out of your own pocket if you do not want SS payments yet.

 You can be billed for either three months and pay by check or sign up for a monthly payment that only works by withdrawing from your checking/ savings account. If you want auto withdraw, There is a form for this...fill out the form and send a check as instructed to get the auto withdraw up and running.

The process is simple.  When you are ready to signup for SS, you can do that online too.  Then your Part B payment will be deducted from your SS and you won't have to pay it separately.

After your Medicare is active, You will also have to decide if you want Traditional Medicare coverage.  If you do, you should get a supplemental plan...PLAN G is the best if you can afford it.  Buy a RX drug plan too. (important)

You will automactly be enrolled in traditional Medicare once you sign up.  If you decide you want advantage plan instead, an insurance company will help with that.

I would suggest you call your state's SHIP office...Senior Health Insurance Program.  Find the phone number online.  The info is free and they are helpful.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask me.

You should get this done ASAP.  Don't wait.

[Sage04]

@Carmie I was hoping you would show up

[Carmie]

@Sage04   Thank you.

I try to help when I can.