HELP, I am Turning 65.....

When you're turning 65 and considering Medicare, there are several steps to follow to ensure you're properly enrolled and have the coverage that best meets your needs. Here's a general guide:

1. Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

2. Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

3. Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans.

Additionally, Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare and include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.

Know Your Enrollment Periods: There are specific times when you can enroll in Medicare:

1. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A 7-month period that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.

1. Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): If you or your spouse (or family member if you're disabled) is working and you're covered by a group health plan through that employment, you may have a SEP to sign up for Part A and/or Part B later.

2. General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you miss your IEP, you can sign up between January 1 and March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1.

Decide Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage: Consider your health care needs, preferences, and budget. Original Medicare offers broader provider options, while Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing care but with specific network restrictions.

Consider Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): If you choose Original Medicare, you might want a Medigap policy to help pay some of the remaining health care costs not covered by Medicare, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Sign Up: If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. If you're not receiving Social Security benefits, you'll need to sign up through the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can apply online at the SSA.Gov website, over the phone, or in person at a local SSA office. I can also help you sign up online, just give me a call.

Review Your Drug Coverage Needs and Sign Up for Part D: If you require prescription drugs, consider adding Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage. You can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and choose from plans available in your area.

Stay Informed: Medicare rules and options can and do change. Visit the official Medicare website or consult a licensed, qualified, Medicare advisor for the most current information and personalized advice.

It's a good idea to start planning a few months before you turn 65 to ensure a smooth transition to Medicare coverage.  I suggest calling 3 months prior to turning 65 to start the initial process to make sure you do not miss any of the deadlines.