Signing up for Medicare

[David1961]

I will be turning 65 in about five months and am thinking about Medicare. What can I expect? Will Medicare send me information to let me know about the program and explain my options or do I need to reach out to them? I know it is too early to sign up but I want to be doing my research now. How does the sign up process work? What is the best way to gather information about my options?

Also, I am a retired federal employee and have Blue Cross/Blue Shield Federal Employees plan as my FEHB plan. Will the plan send me anything to aid in my decision? Could I keep their plan as either the Medicare Part B supplement and/or Medicare Part D drug coverage?

Any information will be appreciated. I feel like I know just about enough about Medicare to be dangerous. Lol

 

[Gumby]

Are you getting social security now? If you are, you get automatically enrolled in Medicare. If not, you need to call them.

 

[MichaelB]

Here’s a recent thread on FEHB and Medicare you may find informative. Question on Medicare costs when going w/o Part B under FEHB

Lots of Medicare knowledge here on ER Forum.

Edit - another thread New to Medicare, currently have FEHB, looking at wrap around decisions...anyone have experience here?

From Medicare you may get a book explaining the program and your options, but you won’t get much clarity.

 

[audreyh1]

Are you getting social security now? If you are, you get automatically enrolled in Medicare. If not, you need to call them.

You don’t need to call. You can go to Medicare.gov where they have a lot of info about your options and you also sign up there. You can sign up 3 months ahead of the month you turn 65.

 

[jazz4cash]

Part A i(hospital) is free so definitely sign up at 65. Part B (Doctors) has a premium and a surcharge depending on your income (IRMMA). When you enroll in Part B, FEHB becomes secondary coverage but FEHB coverage premium is the same. Some FEHB plans are more suitable (and cheaper) as a supplement to Part B. Most FEHB participants forego the Medicare Supplement plans since FEHB fills that role. As posted above, some FEHB participants skip Part B altogether. We’re in the same boat.

 

[oldtimer]

Read the Medicare handbook for free
Medicare and You Handbook

 

[oldtimer]

If you have not yet created your SSA account, do that now because you can apply via your SSA account. Even if you already have a SSA account be sure you can still login because they changed the login security. Don't wait until later when you can apply for Medicare.

 

[Gumby]

You don’t need to call. You can go to Medicare.gov where they have a lot of info about your options and you also sign up there. You can sign up 3 months ahead of the month you turn 65.

I guess the more accurate advice is to "contact" them.

 

[David1961]

Here’s a recent thread on FEHB and Medicare you may find informative. Question on Medicare costs when going w/o Part B under FEHB

Lots of Medicare knowledge here on ER Forum.

Edit - another thread New to Medicare, currently have FEHB, looking at wrap around decisions...anyone have experience here?

From Medicare you may get a book explaining the program and your options, but you won’t get much clarity.

Thanks for the links to the previous discussions. They were helpful

 

[David1961]

If you have not yet created your SSA account, do that now because you can apply via your SSA account. Even if you already have a SSA account be sure you can still login because they changed the login security. Don't wait until later when you can apply for Medicare.

Thanks

 

[David1961]

OP here. Thanks for all the info. I am leaning toward keeping my FEHB and getting Medicare Part B , even though I am subject to IRMMA. Another question, do I need Medicare Part D if I keep my FEHB? I'm thinking no.

 

[48Fire]

We found Boomer Benefits to be very helpful. They have Facebook Group. Educate yourself. We thought the whole Medicare process was challenging, so starting 5 months in advance is not too early.

 

[jollystomper]

We found Boomer Benefits to be very helpful. They have Facebook Group. Educate yourself. We thought the whole Medicare process was challenging, so starting 5 months in advance is not too early.

I agree, they had some helpful detailed education info via their website and YouTube.

5 months is definitely not to early to begin research. DW and I started looking at Medicare a year before she turned 65 (she is a little older than me). There is a lot of information to go through.

 

[48Fire]

I agree, they had some helpful detailed education info via their website and YouTube.

5 months is definitely not to early to begin research. DW and I started looking at Medicare a year before she turned 65 (she is a little older than me). There is a lot of information to go through.

Yes, and if you call them, you can schedule a teleconference that lasts about an hour. At the end, they'll send you a few recommendations. Very nice. Very helpful, and very low pressure, at least in our two experiences.

 

[marinauser]

My spouse and I never talked to anyone and just signed up through the website. Our decisions were simplified by having employer provided supplemental insurance that converted from regular coverage automatically. Same for social security - never talked to anyone and just signed up through the website.