I'm In Need Of Advice - Am Turning 65 In August - What Do I Need To Do To Apply For Medicare?...

[global1]

I've been getting a lot of mailings lately from all sorts of insurance companies - I guess knowing that I'm turning 65. They talk about being a new Medicare beneficiary that I have a limited time to secure additional coverage - the open enrollment period. I'm not sure - first - how to apply for Medicare and then - second - what's the best way for me to secure a supplemental plan and - third - which plan is the best way to go?

How long is the open enrollment period? When does it start and when does it end?

For those of you that have been down this path - can you please provide me with any advice as to how to proceed. Do you regret any of the decisions you yourself made regarding these decisions? Are there better supplemental plans available? Which ones should I avoid?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Faygo Kid]

1. Here you go

Here's an AARP link with the info you need. It's not complicated. Also search on their site for answers to all of your questions.

http://blog.aarp.org/2010/04/15/sign_up_for_medicareonline/

[fadedrose]

2. Call the Social Security Office near you

Better yet, stop in. When I applied they had the best lady working there, and I think that all their employees are pleasant and ready to help - they actually want to because they love the program, not just their jobs, from what I gathered.

Go ahead, call'em....

[Not Me]

5. When my Dad passed away in 2006, I took my Mom to the local SS office

to file the appropriate papers and such. I was blown away by the caring, empathetic staffer that we worked with.
While doing the required updating, she was SO nice to a woman she had never met, but knew was going through a difficult time after losing her husband of 55 years. I will never forget the kindness she showed. And I will fight like hell to keep this system viable and out of private hands.

(edit typo)

[OffWithTheirHeads]

14. Totally agree. My experiences with the staff at ss have been outstanding!

[woofless]

19. #1

[Cleita]

3. My personal experience has been to stay away from the Medicare advantage programs.

They are operated by insurance and I didn't know this, but when you sign up with one, you forfeit your Medicare until the next enrollment period. Also, where I live most doctors refuse to take them because they have a hard time getting paid. My experience also was being refused payment over a technicality as insurance companies do when my husband had one. It ended up costing us thousands of dollars because of that.

I now have traditional Medicare, with an AARP supplement. I haven't had a doctor or other medical facility refuse me yet and that's been for seven years. I can see any doctor I want in any state of the union even specialists without having to get a referral. It costs a little more but it's the way to feel secure about your health care plan for the present.

If Congress and the White House change Medicare then it may not be so secure, but right now it is. The enrollment period is about a month at the end of the year.

[fadedrose]

6. Advantage has no advantages...

We have retiree's insurance from my husband's employment. It pays very little because Medicare pays most.

Please call the government office near you for your best help.

[IdaBriggs]

4. Another option - call your family physician / favorite doctors, and speak to the billing people.

Ask them to recommend a plan. They see it all.

[fadedrose]

7. +++

[randome]

8. First, call Mitt Romney and apologize for being a taker instead of a job-creator.

Then sell all your belongings and live on the street the way Ayn Rand would have...oh. Never mind about that last bit.

[panader0]

9. I too have a question: Does your SS benefit go down when you get Medicare?

[Glitterati]

10. In a way, yes

Medicare costs ~100.00/month and that is deducted from your Social Security benefit.

So, your benefits will pay for Medicare.

[panader0]

11. There goes my beer money!

[Glitterati]

12. Yeah

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

[Bandit]

13. Only for Part B Medicare and you don't have to take it

You are automatically enrolled for Part A Medicare and it doesn't coast anything...

[kestrel91316]

15. I heard Part A doesn't cover much, though, just hospital treatments.

[OldDem2012]

16. Here's the SSA website on the subject...can actually sign up online....

http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/164/~/apply-for-medicare

[MineralMan]

17. Medicare Parts A and B are automatic.

It's the supplements that you have to think about. Look at the ones that come in the mail, and pick one. Stay away from any that are Medicare Advantage plans or HMOs. Check with whoever has your current medical insurance coverage. That's what I did. I just switched from my Blue Cross individual plan to a Medicare supplement, but not the top level one. About $100 per month.

I don't currently have Part D, the prescription coverage, because all of my prescriptions are cheap generics. You can add Part D during the open enrollment period each year.

Don't get too frantic over choosing a supplement They're all very similar, since what they include is regulated. The most expensive supplements just about pay for everything in that covered 20% Medicare doesn't cover. The next plan down is almost the same, but somewhat cheaper. That's the one I chose.

The first year you get Medicare, you can choose a supplement any time. In subsequent years, you can only change during the October-December open enrollment period. So, get the plan you want when your Medicare starts and reevaluate, if necessary in a subsequent year. I advise starting at least a couple months ahead of time, and make sure your regular health insurance stays in force until the day your Medicare is active and your supplement is in force.

[CTyankee]

18. I got my Medicare when I signed up for SS at age 65.

I called and got a terrific person to help me. It was mostly painless, so don't worry! I also signed up for my Medicare supplementary policy with AARP. They pay the 20% of Part B that is not covered by Medicare. That can be a lot! Hubby and I signed up for the most expensive, but most generous, AARP supplement and it was a good thing. He had to have 3 weeks of intensive rehab after spinal surgery and within a few months of signing up we more than made up for months of coverage (20% of his daily care in rehab was $144 per day!). Our monthly supplement payments are about $225 per month. It's a lot but our peace of mind is worth it!