New to Medicare? Start Here.
These are simple tips to help get you started with Medicare.
Decide If You Need Medicare
Who should sign up for Parts A & Part B?
· If you’re retiring
· If you’re going to keep working at a company with less than 20 employees
· If you’re self-employed
If you’re continuing to work at a company with 20+ employees, you do not have to sign up for Medicare Part B.
IMPORTANT! If you are contributing into a HSA, avoid potential tax penalties when joining Medicare.
Stop contributing the month before you’re eligible for Medicare OR
if you’re over 65, stop contributing to your HSA 6-months before you join Medicare.
This is only a general guideline. This is not specific advice for your personal situation. There are many different situations so to understand your own situation please contact me today! My services are no cost or obligation.
How and when to Enroll into Original Medicare (Part A & B)
· Go online at SSA.gov
· Make an appointment with your local social security office
· Call Social Security (be ready for long wait times!)
You’ll want to start 3 months before your birthday month. It takes the government time to start your benefits. You want to be prepared incase there are unexpected delays.
If you’re already taking out Social Security benefits, you’ll already be enrolled in Part A & B when you become Medicare Eligible.
Paying Your Part B Premium
If you’re already taking out Social Security payments, your Medicare Part B premium will automatically be deducted from your social security payment.
If you’re not taking out Social Security payments, you will receive your premium bill in the mail. The bill will be 3 months worth of Part B premiums which can be over $500!
Setting up Medicare Easy Pay is an easy way to pay monthly your Part B premium until you’re ready to take out Social Security. Part B premiums can change from year to year and with Medicare Easy Pay it makes everything seamless as it will automatically adjust so you don’t have to worry about any missed payments and accidental disenrollments.
Get Help From an Expert
You can see all your plan options going to Medicare.gov and 1-800-Medicare, but the representatives there are prohibited by the law to give out advice about Medicare plans. You need to work with licensed insurance agents (like me!) who specializes in Medicare plans. I make it easy to compare plans by creating a one stop shop for all your needs.
Calling the insurance company directly can lead to long wait times and it doesn’t save you any money. Then if you ever needed help, your only option is to call the 1-800 customer service number. My services are free with no obligation and you’ll have my continued support and care.
Think About Your Options
For most, Original Medicare is not enough which is why many people choose to fill those gaps with private insurance plans.
Option 1: Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
This plan helps pay for the gaps in coverage from Original Medicare. Depending on the plan you choose, it can cover out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
Option 2: Medicare Advantage (Part C)
This plan replaces Original Medicare and becomes your primary insurance. It includes everything that Parts A & B cover and typically includes Prescription Drug coverage (Part D) as well as extra benefits that are not covered by Original Medicare.
Enroll in Your Plan
After you selected a plan option, it’s now time to pick the right plan for you. Plans are based on the county where you live so as a local agent I am able to explain in simple to understand language what options you have and how to use them.
Did you know?
I enroll you directly into the plans that you need (that's how I’m compensated so I don't need to charge you), that's why my services are no cost to you!