Important Reading for Those Turning 65

In the months preceding your 65th birthday, it seems everyone in the world knows about it.  Solicitations pour in daily pitching Medicare supplements, prescription drug plans, and Medicare Advantage plans.  You've no doubt received mailings offering to send you a brochure, Shedding Light on the Confusion Over Medicare Benefits. This publication does not exist; the reply card you return becomes a lead card.  The intent of the agent who sent the mailing is to get an appointment with you to sell you a Medicare supplement.
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No subject around Medicare is more misunderstood than what you need to do when you turn 65.  The truth is you may not need to do anything, despite what you hear about penalties for waiting. Or you may need to act to avoid penalties.  It all depends on your situation, so the counsel of what your friends or family members did may not apply to you. When you call us, we'll ask you some questions to determine what action, if any, you need to take as you approach your eligibility for Medicare.  Here are a few:
  • Are you still working?
  • When do you plan to retire?
  • Do you have an employer group health plan?  If so, is it a Health Savings Account (HSA) or coverage through COBRA?
  • Does your employer have more than 20 employees?
  • If you're married, is your spouse younger than you? If yes, how old?
  • Is your spouse or other dependents covered by your employer plan?
  • Does your spouse or other dependents on your employer plan have other health insurance options?
  • Are you drawing Social Security benefits?
  • Are you a veteran with access to VA healthcare?
  • Have you already enrolled in Medicare A and/or B? If yes, have you received your card?

Your answers to these questions help determine what you need to do when you reach Medicare eligibility.  With this information we can give you guidance on whether you need to take Medicare Part A, Part B, or neither and what impact your choices will have on you and your family.

 

We make no cold calls.  We don't show up at your door.  And we're happy to answer your questions over the phone with no obligation.  If your best course is to do nothing regarding Medicare until you retire, we'll tell you that and ask if you'd mind getting our newsletter so you'll remember us when you may need a Medicare-related plan.  And our service is never at any cost to you.  If you do enroll in a plan, the company you enroll with provides our compensation.

 

Medicare is complicated.  The experienced counsel we offer can make it much easier to understand.  If you have any questions, we're happy to answer them - just give us a call.