I never know what Ruth and I are going to talk about when we have lunch each month. Sometimes she brings a friend, sometimes we talk about questions her friends have asked her and sometimes I share issues, concerns or questions people have asked me – no, we don’t talk politics or religion!
Back to basics. I’ve received several calls about basic things like signing up for Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare beneficiaries tend to ask other Medicare beneficiaries questions. Even though friends try to help or advise friends, everyone’s situation is not the same. Recently Danny called. Danny is over 65 (actually he’s 73), retiring and losing his group health insurance. He never enrolled in Medicare Part B because he was covered on his employer’s group health insurance plan. He was a little panicky because friends told him he would have to pay a penalty since he did not sign up for in Part B when he turned 65. Yes, there is a “late enrollment” penalty BUT that penalty does NOT apply if you have been covered by a plan that provides “creditable coverage” which most group plans do. Danny was relieved. Breck called July 10. He is turning 65 on August 3. He has been covered by a group health insurance plan and wants to get off it and sign up for Medicare as soon as he can which is August 1. His premiums/costs will be less, and he will have more coverage. Breck contacted a local Social Security office July 8 to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. Oops! With only three (3) weeks till August 1, he probably will not get signed up in time to get off the group plan and enroll in a Medicare Supplement and Prescription plan by August 1. When should he have contacted Social Security? You can enroll in Part A and Part B three (3) months prior to your 65th birthday. Since it takes about four (4) weeks to get signed up and have your Medicare ID number or Medicare ID card, it’s better to start about three (3) months prior to your 65th birthday. Breck found out August 5 that he is signed up for Part A and Part B. He will stay on his group plan until September 1 when his Medicare Supplement and Prescription plan go into effect. (The timeframe to sign up for Part A and Part B varies. Husband and wife customers signed up the same time. He got his ID card in four (4) weeks, and she got hers in three (3) months! How can you sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B? Breck contacted his local Social Security office. If you feel comfortable doing things online, this may be the easiest and fastest way to sign up at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/. Or you can call 1-800-772-1213. Are you like Danny or Breck? If you have concerns or questions, call 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?”
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AuthorCaroline Beauchamp specializes in personalized life and health insurance solutions. Archives
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