When you turn 65 or start Medicare, signing up for Medicare or choosing the right Medicare Supplement plan or prescription drug plan (PDP) can be very confusing. No need to worry though because I will help you do that. Again, there is no charge for my service!
If you are turning 65 and have been on Social Security prior to that, you are already in the "system," and your Medicare card will be mailed to you automatically during the three months before your 65th birthday.
If you are turning 65 and not collecting Social Security, one of the easiest ways to sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital insurance) and Part B (Medical insurance) is to call Social Security at (800) 772-1213, and you can sign up on the phone with them. After you do that, your Medicare card will be mailed to you.
You should sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is the three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the three months after the month that you turn 65. If you sign up for Medicare after that, you will have a lifetime penalty if you don't have a "creditable" employer plan, etc.
Since Medicare Part A and Part B usually begin on the first of the month that you turn 65, it is best to sign up for Medicare and a Medicare Supplement two or three months before the month that you turn 65.
As an independent agent, I work with all the major insurance carriers, not a particular company, and I will shop around for you you EVERY YEAR to make sure that you aren't paying too much for your Medicare Supplement insurance.
If you have any questions about signing up for Medicare or if you would like to compare Medicare Supplement plans or rates, please don't hesitate to let me know. Please click here for my contact information.
If you already have a Medicare Supplement plan, click here to see my video, "Tips and Tricks for Saving Money on Your Medicare Supplement Plan." This video will show you ways to save money on your Medicare Supplement insurance!