Very often I receive calls from people about to turn 65 and want to understand Medicare. Most people have talked to a friend, neighbor, or relative and hear all kinds of advice.
While most of the advice is partially correct, there are so many conditions and exceptions that I thought I would take an opportunity to give some clarity. Here are five important facts about getting started with Medicare:
- Some people get Medicare automatically and some people have to sign up. You may have to sign up if you are 65 or about to turn 65 and not getting Social Security.
- If you are covered by an employer plan and want to continue on with the employer plan after 65, you can delay your Medicare Part B without incurring a penalty provided the employer plan is credible coverage and includes RX coverage.
- There are certain times of the year when you can sign up or change how you get your Medicare coverage. One of those opportunities is right around the corner. Medicare Annual Enrollment is from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. This is an opportunity to review your current plan and possibly choose a new plan.
- You can choose how you get your Medicare coverage, either by original Medicare with a supplement and part D plan or enrolling in an Advantage plan.
- You may be able to get help with your Medicare costs if you are low income. Most of the commercials on TV that advertise getting your part B reimbursed only apply to Medicare recipients who have limited income.
If you would like to have guidance in making this choice, please feel free to call me. I would love to help you make sense of Medicare, understand the process, decide when enrolling is right for you, and pick a plan that is best for you.
Call Lynne Jones, a licensed sales person, at (480) 212-2246.