Expert Medicare Guide: Turning 65
Great River Insurance Group
Medicare Guide Turning 65 – First Steps
You may be thinking “now that I’m turning 65, there’s probably something I’m supposed to do with Medicare.” Well, that would be correct! Allow us to be your personal Medicare guide. The first decision is whether or not you should even take Medicare right at 65.
Will you be retiring?
Are you planning on working past age 65? Do you work at a company with more than 20 employees, and have employer coverage that’s as good or better than Medicare? If so. you are able to put off taking Medicare. For those who keep employer coverage past age 65, whenever you do choose to retire (or lose coverage), you will have a special enrollment period to join Medicare.
For *almost* everyone else, this decision is pretty much already made for you. If you put off taking Medicare, without a valid reason, and decide to join later, they will charge you a penalty of 10% for each year you go without Medicare. This penalty will last forever. To be sure, though, its always best to speak directly with a knowledgeable broker that you trust.
Now, if you already retired, or plan to retire at age 65 and begin taking Social Security benefits, SSA will forward your application to Medicare. You should automatically receive your card 3 months before your 65th birthday. You can also find your Medicare number online on your benefit verification letter in your MySSA account.
If you are not taking SSA benefits at age 65, and not receiving employer coverage, you will need to apply for Medicare. You can apply either over the phone 800-772-1213, in person at a SSA office, or online on the SSA website. This should be done 3 months before the month you turn 65.
Next Steps – Medicare Guide
Now that you’ve applied for Medicare and received your Medicare ID card, you can officially choose which type of coverage you would like to have. These options include Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, Original Medicare, and prescription drug plans, as well as Dental, Vision and Hearing (ancillary) plans. Some of these options can be bundled together, while others are “all-in-one” packages from the start. You can read more about the different options on our Medicare Services pages.
Please schedule a consultation if you have questions about coverage types, or would like advice on your own unique situation. We’re here to help both today and down the line.
Get a Personal Consultation
Benjamin Thompson of Great River Insurance Group will be your advocate and expert in Medicare options and planning. Both today and for years to come. Our mission here is to both simplify the jargon and inform you of your options. We offer a range of choices tailored to both your health needs and financial situation, from supplements to advantage plans. Our only goal here is to see you in a position to have everything you need to live a happy and fulfilling life, never having to give a second though to your Medicare coverage.
Everyone agrees, Medicare can be complicated. Would you like to learn more about your coverage options? Maybe you signed up through an insurance carrier directly and you’d just like a second opinion, from an unbiased point of view. We’re here to help you. Schedule a consultation today!
Great River Insurance Group is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm central time. Need to have a consultation outside of normal business hours? Specify the time and date that works best for you. Act now to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today! Medicare: Made Simple.
¹HealthAlliance & BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois plan options are listed separately.