Did you know that roughly 10,000 baby boomers are turning age 65 every day? When you are nearing Medicare eligibility the mountains of information you may start receiving in your mailbox can be daunting.
Medicare is a huge rite of passage for seniors, but being inundated with so much information and not having a keen understanding of how it all works can make the enrollment process seem overwhelming.
When it comes to Medicare, it really does pay to think ahead. Here is some handy advice, in way of a timeline, to help guide you through this process so that when the time comes, you are ready to embrace it, and are not left with feeling of worry and dread.
5-8 months before you turn 65: Start exploring Original Medicare
This is the traditional fee for service program that is offered directly through the federal government. Take the time to learn what each part that Medicare covers and to contemplate additional Medicare coverage you may need offered by private insurance companies, and what that type of coverage would need to look like.
4 months before you turn 65: Narrow down your options
You will want to make choices that will benefit your health, but will not put you in a terrible financial bind. Here are some questions you should ask yourself:
- So what does this look like?
- Will you stay with Original Medicare only?
- Would you like to add a Medicare Supplement to fill in the gaps?
- Will you need a Part D plan or do you have other Creditable Coverage?
- What about a Part C plan? Should you delay enrolling in Medicare Part A, Part B or Part D?
- Do you know what the potential consequences to those delays are?
This is the time in which it is recommended that you speak with someone who can help answer these important questions as well as give you all of the options available to you in your area, and help you to that you choose the Medicare Health Plan that will best serve you during your Medicare journey.
3 months before you turn 65: Enroll in Medicare during this time period to avoid any gaps in coverage
Your birth month: Happy Birthday!!!
Double check to make sure that you are enrolled in Medicare and that everything is squared away. If you have not taken the time to enroll, it is not too late to do so. Give us a call and we can assist you in the enrollment process. If you are all signed up and ready to go, now is the time to sit back and enjoy turning 65! You deserve it!
