Enrolling in Medicare

[djtexas]

15. Medicare Choices and Medicareschool.com

The medicareschool.com website is excellent and free.

They have past and current videos on all topics Medicare related, both traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription coverage, medigap policies, how to compare, potential problems and how to resolve them, etc.

You are not forced to apply at that age, or pay penalties in higher rates, unless you do NOT have credible, employer based health insurance.

You can apply for Part A & B when you qualify and use it in conjunction with credible employer insurance. Or you can wait until you no longer have employer insurance.

Stay away from Medicare Advantage. The only way they make money is to reduce the benefits they pay out.

Use your online resources to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, then find the best Part D plan in your area and prescriptions, and consider adding a Medigap policy.

You do not need a broker. Educate yourself and make the best choices for you.

I recently retired and signed up for both Social Security and Medicare online at the same time (May of this year). The process was simple, painless, and quick.

I was laid off on April 29 at 68 years old.

I applied online for both SS and Medicare online May 26.

I received my first SS direct deposit around June 12th (for May since they pay the month following).

Once I had my Medicare number, I researched and selected my Part D plan online ($0 monthly premium in my case) and then a Medigap G policy which was best for my situation.

The cost of Medicare Parts A and B comes out of your SS payment. A Medigap policy is charged direct.

I worked past my original qualification date but always had qualified health insurance so there were no higher premium penalties.

Google "how to sign up for Social Security and Medicare online" for video help. Some of the questions are poorly written, so it helps to have a video guide on how to properly answer the questions.