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Turning 65 - Steps To Enrolling In Medicare
Medicare Plans

Turning 65 – Steps To Enrolling In Medicare

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson
Turning 65. A milestone. Qualifying for Medicare means a whole new world of healthcare options. But there are many questions that come with a comprehensive health plan such as Medicare. “What do all of these Parts and Plans mean? When do I need to enroll? What plan offers the best coverage? Have you seen how much mail I have gotten about Medicare options?” Turning 65 – Steps To Enrolling In Medicare
We completely understand! It can be totally overwhelming, to say the least. The transition onto Medicare can be completely painless and simple if you know the proper steps to take.
There are many informative videos available on YouTube that are designed to help educate those new to Medicare. You can find a lot of the information you need without a salesman or marketer looking over your shoulder. No one is there pressuring you to make a decision. And it can all be done right on the device you are reading this article on right now, from the comfort of your home.

Your Medicare Options

Medicare Part A and Part B are the only parts of Medicare that you enroll in through Social Security, and you can do that at your local Social Security office, through the SSA.gov website, or over the phone at 1-800-772-1213. The other Medicare Parts (Part C & Part D) and any supplemental coverages are done through an insurance company or an independent agent.
If you are receiving Social Security benefits at least four months before being eligible for Medicare and reside in the United States, you will automatically be enrolled in Part A and Part B. You can look for your Medicare card in the mail 3-4 months before your 65th birthday.
Here are the steps you will need to take to get your Medicare coverage in place:

  • Confirm you are eligible for Medicare
  • Learn about Medicare costs so that you can prepare for what you will pay
  • Contact Social Security for the necessary forms to apply for Medicare – www.ssa.gov
  • Receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card and verify that the information is correct, including that you are enrolled in Part A AND Part B
  • Learn about your coverage options: Medicare supplement vs Medicare Advantage
  • Learn about Part D – the Medicare Drug Plan – and determine which Part D drug plan is best for you
  • Learn the importance of having an independent agent who works for you and not for the insurance company (the prices are identical whether you enroll directly with the company or use a trustworthy, independent agent)
  • Review your coverage with your agent annually to ensure you are getting the best available coverage at the best price from year to year

 
Keith Murray is an independent agent and the founder of Integrity Senior Solutions Inc. Keith has over 21 years of experience working with Seniors on their Medicare insurance needs. He can be reached at 1-888-228-6119 or through the website at https://medigap.us.

New to Medicare? Check out our Medicare Made Easy video series at medigap.us/medicarevideos

Turning 65 – Steps To Enrolling In Medicare

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Turning 65 – Steps To Enrolling In Medicare
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Guide to Choosing a Part D Prescription Drug Plan
Medicare Plans

Tips to Avoid Medicare Pitfalls

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Since over thousands of baby boomers enroll into Medicare every day, it’s important to know the facts about the health care insurance program. If you fail to learn, you remain open to expensive mistakes and catches. Tips to Avoid Medicare Pitfalls
Joe Baker, president of the Medicare Rights Center, says, “Avoiding the most common errors in Medicare is the difference between having good financial and health security — or not.” He warns older consumers to learn the rules to avoid higher premiums.
I enrolled in Medicare last year and found the process overwhelming. With the difficult language and limitless selections to choose, it’s no wonder the enrollment left me puzzled. The continuous flow of promotional mail from insurance carriers made the matters worse, not better regarding gaining knowledge. The marketing letters just added to the confusion. And now I face open enrollment and fear the process will take similar paths.
So, to make it easier for the younger boomer, I’ve researched Medicare myths and truths with the intention to save you time and headaches. Here is my assessment:

  • Medicare is not free, and the program has an annual deductible. Beneficiaries do pay monthly premiums. Your income determines the amount.
  • Never assume you don’t qualify or haven’t earned the necessary credits. You may be eligible for the full benefits for Part A – hospital insurance. Understand that the credits are not mandatory to be eligible for Part B, doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical equipment. It’s a requirement that you enroll in Part D, the prescription drug plan, even if you don’t take medications.
  • You must sign up for Part B unless you are 65 and have health coverage at your job (or spouse job) and the employer has 20 plus workers, then delaying Part B is allowable.
  • Even if you have a retiree health plan or COBRA, Part B check with your plan to understand how it works with Medicare.
  • Never count on a friend, associates, or partner to steer you in the Medicare process. Assess your health needs, medications, treatments, physicians, etc. to learn which plan is best. Seek free consultations here.
  • Enrollment begins when you turn 65. You have eight months to enroll when you have coverage at work (or if a spouse carries you on their plan) when it ends.
  • Select a Part D plan according to the drugs you take. Compare coverage and costs among different plans by using the plan finder program on medicare.gov or by calling Medicare at 800-633-4227.
  • Open enrollment comes up once yearly in the fall about an open season that allows you to switch plans.
  • If you intend to buy Medigap, a supplement that covers some out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays, you must do it at the right time.
  • Don’t ignore the Annual Notice of Change that comes in the mail each September if enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (HMO or PPO) or a Part D drug plan. It states changes and cost increases. It is your chance to make comparisons.
  • There is help to pay for the Medicare, check the Medicare Savings Program and the Extra Help Program to see if you are eligible.

Tips to Avoid Medicare Pitfalls

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Safeguard Your Identity During Holidays
Medicare Plans

Keeping Seniors Safe From Medicare Fraud

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Medicare fraudKeeping Seniors Safe From Medicare Fraud
With Medicare enrollment season coming to an end on December 7th, some seniors may be scrambling to assess plans and make final decisions. Medicare is still a very confusing topic to many seniors, and worrying about the risk of fraud can add to this frustration. During this rushed state, it’s important not to lose sight of potential issues with fraud. Keeping Seniors Safe From Medicare Fraud
Based on an Express Scripts survey, 10% of seniors said they or someone they know has been the victim of healthcare fraud. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has alerted seniors to several scams associated with Medicare and the Affordable Care Act.
Be careful with calls: Whether you’ve received calls requesting that you sign up for one plan in particular, calls offering you deep discounts on health services or calls from a government representative – BE WARY. If you are questioning an offer you’re receiving, reach out to the FTC or contact your current Medicare Part D plan to determine the validity of the request.
Keep track of your personal information: Never give out personal information including your social security number, bank or credit/debit card number or passwords to anyone you don’t know or haven’t specifically initiated contact with directly. This should also apply to your insurance/Medicare Part D card or ID number, which should always be kept in a secure spot. If you’re unsure, reach out to the company contacting you at a later point after you’ve had time to research their credibility.
Only look for CMS-approved plans: Before enrolling in a Medicare plan, visit www.Medicare.gov. This is the home page of the official U.S. government site for Medicare. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require that all plans be approved. If your plan is approved by CMS, it will be listed on Medicare.gov. And don’t forget, CMS prohibits door-to-door selling of approved Medicare plans.
Toss with caution: Remove or black out personal information on prescription bottles and other health-related forms and documents before discarding. Even better…shred all personal information before discarding it in the garbage.
If you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft, or if you think you gave your personal information to someone you should not have, contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.ftc.gov.
Express Scripts has developed http://www.roadmapformedicare.com to serve as a resource for Americans looking for information on Medicare, retirement and healthy lifestyle tips. To stay up-to-date with the latest Medicare news, sign up for a free newsletter about retirement planning and Medicare at http://www.roadmapformedicare.com/sign-up/.
 

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